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Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

4.7 from 56 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir gently. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Season the dish: Season the gnocchi and spinach mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove the pan from heat.
  7. 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