The moment the pan hit the heat, the aroma was enough to pull everyone into the kitchen. There’s something undeniably enchanting about creamy textures mingling with the vibrant green of fresh spinach and the salty, tangy notes of feta cheese. This dish brings comfort and joy, all wrapped around tender, pillowy gnocchi that practically melts in your mouth. As the garlic sizzles and the cream transforms into a velvety sauce, you’ll find yourself transported, making every bite feel like a warm hug on a cozy evening.
What makes this recipe shine
This creamy gnocchi dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity paired with rich flavors. The balance of creamy heavy cream and the briny kick from feta creates a delightful harmony that enhances every component. Plus, it effortlessly brings together a quick-to-make meal with a flair for sophistication.
“It’s so comforting and delicious—one of my favorite weeknight meals!” — an enthusiastic home cook
How this dish comes together
Creating this creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a seamless process that comes alive in just a few steps. Start by cooking the gnocchi until they are perfectly al dente; you’ll know when they are ready when they float to the surface. While the gnocchi work their magic, heat some olive oil in a large skillet, allowing it to shimmer before adding minced garlic, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Toss in the spinach until it wilts and season with creamy layers of goodness from the heavy cream and crumbly feta. Finally, fold in the gnocchi, and you have a comforting dish ready to warm hearts and stomachs.
What you’ll need
Gather your items:
- Gnocchi
- Spinach
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
For the best flavor, opt for high-quality feta and fresh spinach. You can also swap gnocchi for any pasta you enjoy, such as penne or fusilli, but remember that the texture will be different.
How to cook it
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, around 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until everything is well combined and heated through, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, serve this creamy gnocchi in warmed bowls and garnish with an extra sprinkle of feta and a drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with a light side salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread for dipping. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil to elevate the dish’s freshness.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you want to enjoy this dish over a couple of days, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon reheating.
To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore its creaminess. Stir gently until heated through, being careful not to boil the sauce.
Helpful cooking tips
- Pasta Timing: Keep an eye on the gnocchi; they cook quickly. Prepare your sauce as they cook to save time.
- Cream Consistency: For a richer sauce, you can mix in extra heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese.
- Skip the Salt: Feta can be quite salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
- Don’t Rush the Spinach: Allowing it to wilt properly enhances the flavor and keeps its vibrant color.
- Rustic Touch: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds wonderful brightness.
Ways to customize it
Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own! Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick, or add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. Seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus would also make a delightful addition. For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a delicious broth-based sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for gnocchi?
You can swap gnocchi with other pasta shapes like tortellini, penne, or even spaghetti. Just remember that cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just cook the gnocchi fresh when you are ready to serve.
How can I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the creamy texture.
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
A comforting and delicious creamy gnocchi dish with vibrant spinach and tangy feta, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, around 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until everything is well combined and heated through, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a beautiful presentation, serve in warmed bowls and garnish with extra feta and a drizzle of olive oil. Pair with a light side salad or crusty garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
