Description
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe combines pillowy gnocchi with crispy golden edges, fresh wilted spinach, and tangy crumbled feta cheese. It’s a quick, flavorful, and comforting vegetarian dish perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy meal that brings back nostalgic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi
Vegetables & Cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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.
- Fry the 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 to crisp all sides: Gently stir and flip the gnocchi, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to ensure they are 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 the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the dish: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Then remove the pan from the heat.
- Add feta and serve: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese to combine with the warm gnocchi and spinach. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure to not overcrowd the pan when frying the gnocchi.
- You can substitute baby kale or Swiss chard for the spinach if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to heat preference or omit for no spice.
- This dish is best served fresh; leftovers may lose crispness but can be reheated in a pan.
- Use fresh gnocchi for best texture; frozen can be used but may require additional cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Crispy gnocchi, spinach, feta cheese, quick vegetarian dinner, Italian gnocchi recipe, sautéed garlic, easy weeknight meal
