Go Back

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

This creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a comforting one-pan meal that cooks in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy date nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 package gnocchi You can use fresh or frozen potato gnocchi.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Baby spinach works best for even wilting.
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled For a milder flavor, substitute goat cheese or ricotta.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half plus cornstarch.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Use good-quality olive oil for best flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Remember that feta adds significant salt.
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Optional topping for added flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Gnocchi
  1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions; drain and set aside. If boiling in salted water, save 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining.
Sautéing the Garlic and Spinach
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
  2. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring evenly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Making the Cream Sauce
  1. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. If the sauce seems too thin, add a splash of reserved gnocchi water to help it cling.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked gnocchi and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Heat until the feta starts to soften and the gnocchi are warmed through, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste, being cautious as feta is salty.
Serving
  1. Serve warm, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of lemon. You can also add grilled chicken slices or pan-seared shrimp on top for protein.