Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a delightful, easy-to-make skillet dish featuring golden, crispy gnocchi paired with fresh sautéed spinach and creamy, tangy feta cheese. Perfect as a satisfying vegetarian main or a hearty side, it combines simple ingredients for maximum flavor in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cook the gnocchi: 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, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
- Crisp the gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cooked gnocchi, making sure not to disturb them. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy.
- Turn and crisp other sides: Gently stir and flip the gnocchi in the pan to cook the other sides for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they become crispy all over.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir gently. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the dish: Season the gnocchi and spinach mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove the pan from heat.
- Add feta and serve: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese until combined. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for best texture — frozen gnocchi also works but may take a little longer to cook.
- Ensure the pan and oil are hot before adding gnocchi for optimal crispiness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For a gluten-free option, verify that your gnocchi are gluten-free as some brands contain wheat flour.
- Serve this dish as a vegetarian main or pair with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Keywords: crispy gnocchi, spinach and feta gnocchi, vegetarian gnocchi recipe, sautéed gnocchi, easy gnocchi dish, Italian gnocchi recipe