Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines delightful textures with fresh, vibrant flavors, look no further than Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta. This recipe brings together pillowy gnocchi that get perfectly crispy on the outside, tender sautéed spinach, and the salty, creamy tang of crumbled feta. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that feels cozy and indulgent, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe has a special role to play, making the dish a balanced symphony of flavor, texture, and color. The gnocchi forms a soft base, the olive oil is key for achieving that coveted crispy texture, and the fresh spinach adds a lovely vibrant green that lifts the whole plate. Finally, the feta cheese brings a salty creaminess that ties everything together beautifully.

• 1 pound gnocchi: The star starch of the dish, light and tender once cooked.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the perfect crispiness and a subtle fruity flavor.
• 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g): Adds freshness, color, and nutrients.
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g): Creamy and tangy, it brings wonderful saltiness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic depth and a slight kick.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds warmth and mild spiciness.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat.

How to Make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the gnocchi and cook them just until they float to the surface, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. This ensures they’re perfectly tender and ready for the next step. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and let them drain—important to avoid sogginess when frying.

Step 2: Crisp the Gnocchi

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the drained gnocchi in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden brown crust to develop—that’s the magic crispy texture everyone loves. Then gently stir and keep cooking for another few minutes so all sides get that satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Wilt Spinach

Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté just until fragrant, about a minute, being careful not to let it burn. Then add your fresh spinach. Stir gently as the spinach wilts down; in just a few minutes it will shrink and become silky soft, mingling beautifully with the crispy gnocchi.

Step 4: Season and Finish with Feta

Season the whole mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta over the warm gnocchi and spinach. The gentle residual heat will soften the feta slightly, creating pockets of creamy, salty goodness in every bite.

How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

Garnishes

Feel free to add an extra sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or basil to brighten up the dish. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can add a lovely fruity finish that makes each forkful even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to keep things fresh. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or a grilled chicken breast can round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in shallow bowls to keep the gnocchi’s crispness intact longer. For a dinner party, consider presenting individual portions topped with a lemon wedge to squeeze over or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crispy texture will soften a bit as it sits, but the flavors will remain delicious and can be revived with proper reheating.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze the gnocchi separately, flash freeze them on a tray and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Spinach and feta don’t freeze well combined with gnocchi as they can turn watery, so it’s better to add those fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

To bring back some crispiness, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of olive oil instead of the microwave. This method helps revive that delightful crunch and warms everything evenly without turning soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works great; just cook according to package instructions until they float. The crisping process will be the same and just as delicious.

Is it necessary to boil the gnocchi before frying?

Yes, boiling ensures the gnocchi are cooked through and tender on the inside before crisping the exterior. Skipping this step can result in a gummy texture.

Can I substitute the spinach for another green?

Feel free to use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula instead. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but will pair nicely with the crispy gnocchi and feta.

What can I do if I don’t have feta cheese?

Go for a similar salty, crumbly cheese like goat cheese or ricotta salata. They won’t be quite the same but will add a lovely creamy tang that complements the dish well.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and use a vegan gnocchi or make your own without eggs. Just keep the olive oil and garlic for flavor, and you’ll still get a fantastic dish packed with texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta enough! It’s a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly simple to make yet feels special enough to serve to anyone. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or the centerpiece of your next gathering, this dish promises smiles and satisfied appetites all around. Give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!

Print