Name: Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g); 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Introduction

Crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender potato gnocchi with vibrant spinach and salty feta cheese. This quick recipe delivers a satisfying texture contrast and a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The dish shows a bowl filled with golden brown crispy gnocchi pieces arranged throughout, mixed with bright green sautéed spinach leaves that are wilted but still vibrant. White crumbled cheese is sprinkled on top, adding a soft and crumbly texture that contrasts with the smooth, browned gnocchi. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface, with a vintage silver fork resting inside on the right side. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of smooth, soft, and crunchy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
Step 2: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on one side.
Step 3: Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat.
Step 7: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately on plates.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, don’t stir the gnocchi too often while frying; let them brown thoroughly on each side.
You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness of the feta.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or microwave briefly if short on time. Note that reheating may soften the gnocchi slightly.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl filled with golden brown pan-fried gnocchi, arranged in a loose pile with a few bright green wilted spinach leaves mixed throughout. Crumbled white cheese is scattered over the top, adding contrast against the warm tones of the gnocchi and the deep greens of the spinach. The gnocchi have a crispy texture on the outside. A silver fork rests on the right side of the bowl, which is white with a light beige speckled pattern. The bowl sits on a soft beige fabric over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook them according to the package instructions until they float before frying.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely. Simply replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it entirely, and use olive oil or a plant-based butter for frying.