Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Turn gnocchi for even crispiness: Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
- 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.
- Wilt spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the dish: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove the pan from heat.
- 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
