Ultimate Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta Experience

The first time I heard gnocchi pop in a hot skillet, I thought I was cooking popcorn by accidentit’s that crispy. This crispy gnocchi spinach and feta dish brings all the good stuff: golden outsides, pillowy centers, salty feta, and garlicky greens. It’s become one of those cozy go-to dinners popping up on everyone’s radar latelyand for good reason.

You only need a handful of ingredientspantry gnocchi, fresh spinach, a bit of garlic, and feta crumblesbut the payoff is major. Pan-searing the gnocchi adds this roasted, nutty bite that’s so satisfying, almost like Greek-style home fries but with more fluff. The whole dish comes together in one skillet, no boiling needed. Easy cleanup, big flavor.

I first made this in early spring of 2022, when the baby spinach in our backyard plot was starting to take off. My teenager wandered into the kitchen and asked, “What smells buttery and cheesy?” That’s when I knew it was a keeper. The trick? Get the pan hot before the gnocchi hitsno oil until they go golden. After over a decade writing about family cooking, this one still surprises me with how fast and comforting it is.

Yesica Andrews

Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta Recipe You Must Try

Experience the perfect blend of textures and flavors with this Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta recipe. Featuring crispy pan-fried gnocchi combined with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese, this dish is a delicious twist on traditional Italian comfort food. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat, this Crispy Greek Gnocchi with Spinach Feta is sure to become a favorite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

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.

Method

 

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.
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.
3. Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
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.
5. Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat.
7. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately on plates.

Notes

• For a variation, add cherry tomatoes or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the gnocchi for the perfect crispy texture.
• You can substitute the spinach with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard.
• This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat on a pan to maintain crispiness.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta – Your New Go-To Dinner!

Get ready for your new favorite weeknight meal! This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta isn’t just a recipe; it’s a revelationcombining delightful textures and fresh flavors into one incredible dish. Here’s why it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen:

• Lightning Fast: Dinner on the table in just about 25 minutes? Yes, please! Perfect for those bustling evenings.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese create a beautiful balance, offering bright flavors without sacrificing satisfaction.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to savor your meal.
• Texture Perfection: Experience the magic of gnocchi that’s wonderfully crispy and golden-brown on the outside, yet delightfully soft and tender within. It’s a game-changer!

If you’re a fan of fuss-free recipes that deliver big on taste and satisfaction, this crispy gnocchi spinach and feta is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. It’s a dish that proves comfort food can also be quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients Breakdown for Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta

You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to bring this amazing dish to life. With minimal fuss, you’ll have a hearty and healthy meal ready in no time. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• Gnocchi (1 pound): Opt for good quality shelf-stable potato gnocchi, usually found in the pasta aisle. It’s a fantastic shortcut for a quick meal.
• Fresh Spinach (4 cups): Baby spinach is wonderfully tender and wilts down quickly. Pre-washed bags are a convenient choice for speedy prep.
• Feta Cheese (4 ounces): Crumbly, salty, and tangy feta adds a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Look for fresh feta in brine for the best taste and texture.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Finely minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic, cozy warmth. It makes all the difference!
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for achieving that perfect golden crisp on the gnocchi and a flavorful base for sautéing.
• Seasonings: A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper are crucial. For a subtle kick, don’t forget optional red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta

Ready to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal? Follow these clear steps to achieve perfectly crispy gnocchi spinach and feta every time:

1. Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, typically 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the gnocchi and drain them well. It’s crucial they are as dry as possible to ensure crispiness. You can even pat them gently with a paper towel.
2. Achieve Crispy Gnocchi: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (10-12 inch) non-stick frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the drained gnocchi in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Give them a gentle toss or stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until most sides are golden and crispy.
3. Infuse with Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. The garlic should become fragrant but be careful not to let it burn, which can make it bitter.
4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan. It might look like a lot, but it will quickly wilt down. Stir gently until all the spinach is tender and bright green, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. If you enjoy a little heat, now is the time to stir in those red pepper flakes.
5. Fold in Feta and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the gnocchi and spinach. Stir lightly, just enough for the feta to warm through and soften slightly, integrating its tangy flavor into the dish. Serve your delicious crispy gnocchi spinach and feta immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tip for Crispy Perfection: The secret to truly crispy gnocchi lies in a hot pan, sufficient oil, and plenty of space. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to allow each piece to brown evenly without steaming. Patting the boiled gnocchi dry before frying is also a game-changer!

Storage and Reheating Tips

While this dish is undeniably best enjoyed fresh, if you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain as much of that delicious texture as possible:

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The gnocchi will soften slightly, but the flavors will still be wonderful.
• Reheating: To revive some of that coveted crispiness, avoid the microwave! Reheat your leftovers in a hot skillet with a tiny splash of olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and the gnocchi start to crisp up again.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this dish. The texture of both the gnocchi and the spinach can suffer significantly upon thawing and reheating.

Tips for Variations and Swaps to Make it Your Own

One of the best things about this crispy gnocchi spinach and feta recipe is its adaptability! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking:

• Greens Swap: Instead of spinach, try heartier greens like finely chopped kale or Swiss chard. Just give them a minute or two longer to wilt.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in some halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking for a burst of juicy freshness, or sauté some thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini alongside the garlic.
• Turn Up the Heat: For a more intense spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle a little chili oil over your plate just before serving.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal. Incorporate them in the last few minutes to warm through.

Note: The beauty of this dish is its flexibilityyou can adjust seasonings or add-ins to suit your family’s preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

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Expert Insight: Mastering Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta

Crispy gnocchi transforms this dish by creating a delightful contrast with the creamy feta and tender spinach. Achieving the perfect golden crust requires a hot pan and minimal stirring, ensuring each piece crisps evenly without stickingkey steps for elevating flavor and texture in crispy gnocchi spinach and feta recipes.

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My Journey to Perfect Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta

Developing this recipe was a true labor of love in my kitchen. It took several attemptssome batches were too soft, others stuck stubbornly to the panbefore I finally cracked the code to achieving that perfect golden, crispy exterior while keeping the vibrant flavors of spinach and feta bright and fresh. Each trial, even the less-than-perfect ones, taught me invaluable lessons about temperature, timing, and how to coax the best textures out of simple ingredients. This recipe is the culmination of all those dedicated kitchen experiments, a testament to perfecting a dish that’s now a firm family favorite.

FAQs ( Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta
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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta!

This crispy gnocchi spinach and feta recipe delivers a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner that feels both fresh and comforting. In just about 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be enjoying that irresistible crisp, golden bite of gnocchi paired perfectly with tender spinach and tangy fetaa true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.

Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Feel free to swap out the spinach for hearty kale or add a handful of vibrant cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop of color and flavor. And if you have any leftovers, they store well for a couple of days and reheat beautifully in a hot skillet, ensuring that delightful crunch isn’t lost. That’s a little secret I’ve learned from countless home cooks who appreciate a fuss-free, delicious meal.

I genuinely can’t wait to see how you personalize this dish! Did you grow up with simple, comforting family meals like this? Share your photos and any creative tweaks you makebecause meals made with love truly do taste better when shared with others.