Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Introduction

Crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a delightful dish that combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a crispy golden exterior. The fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch, while the crumbled feta brings a tangy, creamy finish. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight.

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)

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use a non-stick skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the gnocchi.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for some crunch and nutty flavor.
• If you like a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey over the finished dish complements the salty feta.

Storage

Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or microwave if in a hurry, though it may soften the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook them according to package directions until they float, then proceed with frying as described.

What can I serve with crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta?

This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of crisp white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.

Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe is a delightful and simple dish combining golden, pan-fried gnocchi with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. The gnocchi is cooked until perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside, then tossed with garlic-sautéed spinach and crumbled feta for a savory, satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gnocchi

• 1 pound gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & 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, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
2. Pan-fry gnocchi: 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. Turn gnocchi for even crispiness: Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
4. Sauté garlic: 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. Wilt spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season the dish: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove the pan from heat.
7. Add feta cheese: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine with the warm gnocchi and spinach just before serving.

Notes

• For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
• Use fresh gnocchi if possible, but frozen gnocchi works well too—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• To make this dish vegan, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Serve immediately to enjoy gnocchi while it’s crispy.

Keywords: Crispy gnocchi, spinach, feta cheese, pan-fried gnocchi, easy Italian recipe, quick vegetarian dinner