Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and irresistibly crunchy, you’re going to love this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe. I absolutely love how the crispy exterior of the gnocchi pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy feta and tender spinach. It’s quick, simple, and packs a punch of flavor that’ll have your whole family asking for seconds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe relies on ingredients that balance texture and flavor beautifully. A great tip: pick fresh, vibrant spinach and a quality feta for the best results.

• Gnocchi: I prefer store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, but homemade works too if you have time.
• Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil to get that lovely crisp without burning.
• Fresh spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds a nice pop of green and nutrition.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that complements the gnocchi perfectly.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cooks fast and intensifies the aroma—don’t skip it!
• Salt: Enhances all flavors but be cautious if your feta is already salty.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for subtle heat and depth.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a hint of spice, this adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season and what I have on hand. You’ll find that a few simple swaps can make it feel brand-new every time you cook it.

• Add Cherry Tomatoes: I sometimes toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop of sweetness—it brightens the whole dish beautifully.
• Leafy Greens Swap: Swapping spinach for kale or Swiss chard gives a heartier texture that’s fantastic if you want more bite.
• Vegetable Boost: Bell peppers or zucchini work wonders if you want to sneak in extra veggies without fuss.
• Vegan Version: Simply swap feta for a vegan cheese or omit it and add toasted pine nuts for nuttiness.

How to Make Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi Until They Float

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi and wait patiently for them to float to the surface—that’s your signal they’re cooked, usually about 2-3 minutes. I like to use a slotted spoon to scoop them out gently so they don’t break, then let them drain well. This step is key because overcooked gnocchi can get mushy and won’t crisp up properly later.

Step 2: Get That Perfect Crisp on the Gnocchi

Heat your olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the gnocchi in a single layer without stirring for 2-3 minutes. This undisturbed time lets them develop a golden, crispy crust. Then, gently stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to crisp up the other sides. I like to keep the heat steady so they brown but don’t burn—patience here really pays off!

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Wilt the Spinach

Lower the heat to medium and add your minced garlic right to the pan—this will infuse the oil with gorgeous aroma. Sauté just until fragrant, about a minute, but be careful not to let it burn. Then, add the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This combo boosts flavor while keeping the spinach tender and bright green.

Step 4: Season and Finish with Feta

Now comes the best part—seasoning! Sprinkle salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Remove the pan from heat, then fold in the crumbled feta cheese. The residual heat softens the feta just enough without melting it completely, giving lovely creamy bites throughout. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brightness. Sometimes, a little drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted pine nuts on top bring an extra crunch and a nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the feta and gnocchi. Or try roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a hearty complement. On busy nights, a simple crusty bread works wonders to soak up the flavorful juices.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a dinner party, try plating the gnocchi in shallow bowls and topping with extra feta crumbles and edible flowers for a stunning look. For casual meals, I sometimes serve it family-style in a cast-iron skillet straight to the table — it’s both cozy and impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the dish cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 1-2 days, though you might lose a bit of the crispiness. If you’re prepping for later, that’s totally fine — just be ready to re-crisp before serving.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen leftovers of this recipe often because it’s best fresh, but if you do decide to freeze, spread the cooked gnocchi on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Spinach and feta don’t freeze as well, so I’d recommend freezing the gnocchi separately and adding fresh spinach and feta when reheating.

Reheating

To bring back some of that crispy magic, reheat leftovers in a hot pan with a touch of olive oil instead of the microwave. It revives the golden crust on the gnocchi and keeps the spinach fresh. Avoid overheating, or the feta can become grainy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such a joy to make and even more fun to eat. It brings together crispy textures, fresh greens, and tangy cheese into a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that feels special without the fuss, I really encourage you to try this one—you’ll be so glad you did!

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