There are nights when you crave something that hugs the soul as much as it satisfies hunger. That’s exactly what this gnocchi with spinach and feta does for me. I remember standing in Nonna’s kitchen, watching her drop pillowy dumplings into bubbling pots, the steam filling the room. She’d add greens from the garden and a crumble of salty cheese, letting the flavors mingle slowly. Today, I recreate that warmth in my own kitchen. This dish is quick, cozy, and packed with flavor, perfect for both weeknights and slow Sundays.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of spinach and feta gnocchi is its balance: creamy sauce, earthy greens, and the tang of feta. It’s hearty yet fresh, making it a versatile dinner that appeals to everyone. Unlike heavier pasta dishes, gnocchi stays light, especially when paired with spinach that wilts beautifully into the sauce. Plus, this recipe is done in under 30 minutes, which means you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. If you’ve ever tried quick comfort recipes like Tuscan Vegetable Soup, you’ll appreciate the same sense of ease and heartiness here.
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Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta: A Comforting Classic
A cozy, quick dinner made with pillowy gnocchi, creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook gnocchi in salted water until they float, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet, add garlic, cook until fragrant.
3. Add spinach and sauté until wilted.
4. Pour in cream and broth, season with oregano, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked gnocchi and toss in sauce.
6. Fold in feta cheese until slightly melted.
7. Serve hot garnished with basil.
Notes
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Swap spinach with arugula or kale for variety.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Ingredients
To bring creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta to life, you need:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make It
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted. Pour in cream and vegetable broth, stirring gently. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine and finish: Toss the cooked gnocchi into the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Fold in crumbled feta until slightly melted but still visible. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil.
The creamy sauce wraps each gnocchi like a blanket, similar to how layers of flavor come together in recipes such as smothered steak.
Tips and Variations
- Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well if you want extra heartiness.
- Switch the greens: Try arugula or kale if spinach isn’t on hand.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of cream, or skip the cream entirely and increase the broth for a fresher take.
- Boost the flavor: Toasted pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes add a welcome punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat gnocchi with spinach and feta?
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance, but cook the gnocchi fresh before serving for the best texture.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream and vegan feta alternatives for a dairy-free twist.
Final Thoughts
Creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta is the kind of meal that doesn’t just feed your body; it comforts your heart. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough to serve when you want to share a little extra warmth with family or friends. Whether you’re new to gnocchi or it’s already a staple in your kitchen, this recipe will surely earn a spot in your regular rotation. Try pairing it with a crisp salad or warm bread, just like Nonna would have done, for the perfect comforting dinner.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
