There’s something about creamy dishes that just feels like a warm hug, isn’t there? When I think about comfort food, this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is at the top of my list. I still remember the first time I made it – I stumbled upon the recipe on one of those rainy evenings when a little indulgence felt necessary. As I stirred the silky sauce, the salty feta mingling with the earthy spinach, I knew I had discovered a gem. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes this dish special is the balance of flavors and textures. The gnocchi, whether fresh or store-bought, becomes delectably crispy on the outside while remaining pillowy soft on the inside. Couple that with the vibrant spinach that’s sautéed lightly until just wilted and the creamy richness of the heavy cream that envelopes every bite—it’s a culinary symphony! And let’s not forget the feta; its tangy, crumbly character elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
What’s more, this recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for entertaining friends. You get that satisfying comfort you’d expect from a cozy Italian meal without turning your kitchen into a battleground. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens, so there’s that added benefit too. Why wait? This creamy, dreamy refresher is beckoning you to whip it up tonight!
Gather these ingredients
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Gnocchi: You can go with fresh homemade gnocchi or a trusty store-bought variety. Homemade gnocchi is a labor of love, but nothing beats the convenience of the store-bought kind on a busy night. Choose whatever fits your vibe.
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Fresh Spinach: This leafy green doesn’t just add a pop of color; it’s also packed with nutrients. Feel free to swap in other greens like kale if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta lends that creamy, salty kick that makes this dish irresistible. If you’re not a feta fan, goat cheese is a fabulous alternative that adds a different, albeit delightful, flavor.
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Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil makes all the difference. It carries flavor and adds health benefits too. You could even use a flavored oil for that extra dimension.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic ensures that the flavors burst through with every bite. Who can resist that aromatic allure wafting through the kitchen?
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Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens. Don’t skimp—it’s what turns this dish into a creamy delight. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, though it won’t be quite as rich.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors. Don’t be shy with these; they’re your best friends in the kitchen!
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Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but do we ever really need to ask? A sprinkle on top adds an extra layer of umami goodness.
The cooking process explained
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Heat it up: In a large skillet, drizzle in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Get it nice and warm before adding the garlic.
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Sauté the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant—just about 30 seconds will do. Don’t let it burn; we want fragrant, not bitter!
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Add the greens: Pile in the fresh spinach and stir. Cook it until just wilted, which should take you a minute or two. The vibrant green is what we’re after!
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Bring in the gnocchi: Now, stir in the gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn a gentle golden color. That little bit of browning adds such lovely depth.
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Creamy goodness: Pour in the heavy cream and add the crumbled feta at this stage. Stir well until everything is seamlessly combined. It’ll look like a dreamy velvety heaven in there.
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Season to taste: Now, give it a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust—remember, it’s all about your preference!
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Finish it up: Let it bubble for another 2-3 minutes until everything is beautifully heated through and creamy.
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Garnish: If you’re feeling fancy, top it with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Best way to enjoy it
Serving this creamy gnocchi warms the heart and pleases the palate! Scoop it generously onto a plate or in a bowl, and if you’re feeling elegant, you can garnish with a few extra crumbles of feta and a sprinkle of cracked pepper.
Pair it with a crisp green salad—a simple arugula with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders to cut the creaminess. You might even enjoy a glass of cool Sauvignon Blanc alongside; the tartness complements this dish beautifully.
How to store and reheat
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence, but it happens!), you can popcorn them in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but try a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to bring back that luscious texture.
Pro tip: It’s best fresh, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing this one. The texture may be a bit off as the cream can separate when thawed.
Helpful cooking tips
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs or higher quality cheese can really elevate the dish.
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Experiment: Don’t limit yourself to just spinach and feta! Adding sun-dried tomatoes or arugula can completely change the flavor profile.
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Cream hacks: For a lighter twist, consider swapping out some of the heavy cream with low-fat Greek yogurt (mix it in off heat).
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Flavor boost: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick or mix in some fresh herbs like basil or dill for an aromatic addition.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative! You can swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or even zucchini. Experiment with different cheeses—gorgonzola or ricotta could add unique spins.
For those who love a bit of protein, why not toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp? Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully warmed through. You can also take a walk on the wild side and throw in some crispy bacon bits for that salty crunch!
Ingredients list
- Gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- Fresh spinach
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach; cook until wilted.
- Stir in gnocchi; cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
- Pour in heavy cream and add crumbled feta; stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to make? About 30 minutes!
- What can I substitute for spinach? Kale or even arugula—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, it’s already vegetarian! Just hold the meat.
- Any dietary adjustments? You can swap heavy cream with a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
- Does it reheat well? Yes! Just add a little water or cream when reheating to keep it silky.
You won’t just love this dish for its taste; you’ll appreciate how it brings a cozy atmosphere to your kitchen. With its creamy goodness and the delightful tang of feta, it’s hard not to be transported to a quaint Italian bistro with each bite. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into this joyfully creamy adventure. I’m eager to see how yours turns out! Please share your own twists and experiences in the comments—let’s inspire each other in our cooking journeys!
Use Your Leftovers
Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Description
This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a perfect blend of crispy gnocchi, sautéed spinach, and creamy feta, making it an indulgent yet simple dinner option.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
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Add fresh spinach; cook until wilted.
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Stir in gnocchi; cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
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Pour in heavy cream and add crumbled feta; stir to combine.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
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Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 2500 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 400 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 200 mcg
- Thiamin 0.4 mg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 3 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
- Folate 60 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 80 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
