Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

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Author: Clara Morgan
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Creamy gnocchi dish with spinach and feta cheese served in a bowl

why make this recipe

This dish is quick, creamy, and full of simple flavors. It cooks fast and uses few ingredients. If you like easy meals that still feel special, this one works well. It also shares the bright feta taste found in my herby chickpea and feta pasta salad, so fans of feta will enjoy it.

introduction

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a warm, soft pasta dish with a rich sauce. The gnocchi soaks up the cream and feta. The spinach adds color and a fresh bite. If you want other spinach and cheese ideas, try my creamy ricotta spinach stuffed sweet potatoes recipe for a different meal.

how to make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Follow the steps below. Work in order and keep the heat medium so the cream does not boil hard.

  • Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in crumbled feta cheese until melted and combined.
  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan, gently stirring to coat.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Ingredients :

1 lb gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions :

  1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in crumbled feta cheese until melted and combined.
  5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan, gently stirring to coat.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

how to serve Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Serve it hot in shallow bowls. Add grated Parmesan on top if you like. A simple green salad or a small side like an olive spread can go well. Try a mild olive spread such as the olive lovers dream dip on the side for extra flavor.

how to store Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Let the dish cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if it looks thick. Do not freeze; the cream and feta can change texture after freezing.

tips to make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

  • Use fresh spinach for best texture.
  • Do not boil the cream hard; keep it at a low simmer.
  • Crumble the feta small so it melts into the sauce more easily.
  • Taste before adding salt; feta is salty already.
  • Cook gnocchi just until they float to keep them tender.

variation (if any)

  • Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it heartier.
  • Use baby kale instead of spinach; cook a bit longer.
  • For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • For a crisp finish, pan-fry cooked gnocchi in a little butter before tossing with the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw and squeeze out extra water before adding so the sauce does not get thin.

Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, it is vegetarian if you use vegetarian-friendly feta.

Q: Can I use store-bought gnocchi only?
A: Yes. Store-bought gnocchi works great and saves time.

Q: How do I make it less salty?
A: Use less feta or rinse the feta briefly, and skip adding extra salt until you taste the finished dish.

Conclusion

For a similar gluten-free take, see this Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi, gluten-free – Create Cook Share guide. If you like a crisp texture to your gnocchi, try the Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach and Feta Recipe – NYT Cooking for another method.

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Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

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  • Author: claramorgan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A quick, creamy pasta dish featuring tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and rich feta cheese, perfect for an easy yet special meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in crumbled feta cheese until melted and combined.
  5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan, gently stirring to coat.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for best texture. Do not boil the cream hard; keep it at a low simmer. Crumble the feta small for easier melting.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
clara
Hi, I’m Clara!

I'm a food lover and a firm believer that anyone can learn to cook with a little curiosity and courage. My story with food didn’t begin in a tiny apartment with a two-burner stove and a stack of cookbooks from the local library. I was broke and desperate to make something anything that felt like home.

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