It starts with a sizzle. That crave-worthy moment when gnocchi hits the pan and goes golden, crispy, and oh-so fluffy inside. This cozy CRISPY GNOCCHI SPINACH AND FETA is having a moment everywhereTikTok, Pinterest, you name itand for good reason. Fast, filling, and freakishly tasty.
This dish is all about contrast. Crunchy gnocchi, buttery spinach, salty feta. It comes together in one skillet, in twenty-ish minutes, using fridge and freezer staples. It’s like your favorite Greek salad ran off and married a skillet supper. Full details in the blog!
One time I burnt the first batch, then ate it anyway because… well, crispy. I’ve tested this dinner six timesyou’re getting the winner here. It’s chaotic-cook approved and toddler tolerated. I tweaked a few things for max crunch. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
This delightful dish features crispy pan-fried gnocchi with vibrant spinach and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, Crispy Greek Gnocchi with Spinach & Feta offers a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups fresh spinach About 120 g
4 ounces feta cheese crumbled About 115 g
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface about 2-3 minutes then drain using a slotted spoon.
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the gnocchi cooking undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on one side.
Stir the gnocchi gently and cook another 2-3 minutes to crisp all sides.
Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add fresh spinach stirring until wilted about 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if using then remove from heat.
Stir in crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
For a variation add cherry tomatoes or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the gnocchi for the perfect crispy texture You can substitute the spinach with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days Reheat on a pan to maintain crispiness
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Nutrition
Calories:400 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta recipe offers everything you crave in a cozy, fuss-free meal. It’s incredibly quick (25 minutes from start to finish!), made with simple everyday ingredients, and delivers a perfect balance of flavorscrispy, savory, and delightfully tangy. Facing a busy weeknight? This dish has you covered. Hosting friends? Serve it up, and they’ll be impressed, thinking you spent hours in the kitchen!
There’s an undeniable delight in transforming soft gnocchi into golden, irresistibly crispy bites. Paired with the richness of garlic-sautéed spinach and the creamy, salty burst of feta, it creates a comforting, satisfying experience in every forkful. Even the pickiest eaters might find themselves reaching for seconds!
What’s more, it all comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup (hooray!) and utilizes mostly pantry staples. This is truly one of those dependable recipes you’ll want to keep handy for when you desire maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Tools
If your pantry and fridge are stocked with common items, chances are you already have everything required. No fancy equipment or obscure ingredients neededjust simple, flavorful staples that come together beautifully.
Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi is the foundation of this dish. They cook up quickly and crisp beautifully in the pan. Both shelf-stable and refrigerated varieties work perfectly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal here, wilting down into lovely green ribbons. Baby spinach is a great choice for convenience.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides that essential salty, tangy bite that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses a warm, fragrant aroma and deep flavordon’t hold back!
Optional Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful warmth and subtle kick to the dish.
Essential Tools: You’ll only need a large frying pan, a pot for boiling gnocchi, a slotted spoon, and your favorite wooden spoon. Simple and straightforward!
Simple Steps to Make It
This remarkably easy dinner comes together in just a few straightforward steps, each contributing to the perfect balance of crispy texture, creamy notes, and savory flavors.
Boil the Gnocchi: Begin by bringing a pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, which typically takes about 2–3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them, draining well, and set aside.
Crisp Them Up: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the cooked gnocchi in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust on one side. Gently stir and continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until they are golden and crispy all overthe extra crispiness is truly worth the patience!
Add Garlic & Spinach: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Immediately add the fresh spinach, stirring continuously until it wilts completely, which usually takes 2–3 minutes.
Finish with Feta: Remove the pan from the heat. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the gnocchi and spinach. Stir gently just enough to combine the ingredients before serving warm.
Step
Approx. Time
Boil Gnocchi
2–3 minutes
Pan-Fry Gnocchi
4–6 minutes
Sauté Garlic & Spinach
3–4 minutes
Combine with Feta
1 minute
Pro Tips & Variations
This dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to easily customize it to your taste. Here are a few pro tips and variations to make this recipe truly your own:
For Maximum Crispness: After boiling and draining, gently pat your gnocchi thoroughly dry with a paper towel before frying. This removes excess moisture, ensuring an even crispier, golden exterior.
Boost with More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or even thinly sliced zucchini during the last few minutes of sautéing.
Alternate Greens: No spinach on hand? No worries! Kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes; just be sure to give them a slightly longer sauté time until tender.
Dairy-Free Alternative: To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply swap the feta cheese for your favorite dairy-free cheese crumbles.
Pro Tip for Extra Crunch: For an additional layer of texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or crispy breadcrumbs over the dish just before serving. It adds a delightful nutty crunch that elevates every bite!
Serving, Storage & Reheating
This Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta is truly at its peak when served immediately, fresh out of the pan. This ensures the gnocchi are wonderfully crispy and the spinach and feta are perfectly warm and integrated. For a complete and effortless meal, pair it with a light green salad or a glass of your favorite wine.
Storage Instructions
Reheating Recommendations
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For best results, reheat in a frying pan over medium heat to help restore the gnocchi’s crispiness. While a microwave can be used, it won’t yield the same delightful texture, though the flavors will still be delicious!
Savor this quick, crispy, and flavor-packed dish whenever you desire a meal that’s both comforting and delightfully uncomplicated. It’s a guaranteed way to elevate your weeknight dinner with minimal fuss!
Expert Insight: Mastering Crispy Gnocchi Spinach and Feta
The secret to truly crispy gnocchi lies in not just a hot pan, but also mindful spacing and sufficient oil, allowing each piece to develop a golden, crunchy exterior without becoming tough. This method, combined with the fresh earthiness of spinach and the salty tang of feta, creates a dynamic interplay of textures and flavors. The contrast elevates a humble pasta dish into something surprisingly sophisticated yet incredibly comforting.
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Perfecting My Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta
Developing this crispy gnocchi spinach and feta recipe involved quite a few kitchen adventures to truly nail. My early attempts often resulted in gnocchi that were either disappointingly soggy or, conversely, a bit too burnt. However, with each trial, I refined my technique, learning precisely when to adjust the heat and how to balance the delicate flavors. The version you see today is wonderfully cozy, perfectly crisp, and genuinely a culmination of those rewarding trial-and-error moments.
FAQs ( Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta )
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well and often crisps up nicely. Just be sure to thaw and dry it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture. This helps achieve the perfect golden crust without sogginess in the final dish.
What kind of cheese should I use if I can’t find feta?
If feta isn’t available, try crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata. Both provide a tangy, salty flavor that complements the spinach and gnocchi well. Avoid cheeses that melt too much to preserve the dish’s texture balance.
How do I get the gnocchi extra crispy?
Use a nonstick skillet with enough oil and cook gnocchi without overcrowding. Let it brown undisturbed on medium-high heat before tossing. Using this method is key in the Crispy Greek Gnocchi with Spinach & Feta recipe for that ideal crunch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the gnocchi and sautéed spinach in advance but crisp the gnocchi just before serving to enjoy the best texture. Reheating in a skillet instead of the microwave preserves the dish’s flavor and crunch.
What sides pair well with this meal?
This dish goes great with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance richness. A light citrus vinaigrette helps brighten flavors, making it a satisfying, well-rounded meal perfect for any weeknight.
Conclusion
This Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta recipe delivers incredible flavor in under 30 minutes, and the reward is truly satisfying! You’ll adore the perfect crunch of those golden gnocchi, complemented by tender spinach and the delightful, tangy burst of melting feta. It’s the ideal weeknight meal that evokes comfort and feels like a small culinary victory. Trust me, the moment you hear that glorious sizzle in the pan, you’ll know you’re on your way to a delicious win.
A personal tip from my own kitchen adventures: remember to thoroughly pat your gnocchi dry before frying to achieve that unbeatable extra crispness. And don’t hesitate to adaptgot extra cherry tomatoes or a handful of kale? Toss them in to add more color and nutrients. For leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat gently in a pan to revive that lovely crunch, a simple trick passed down from my aunt that always works!
I genuinely hope you enjoy making this dish. I’d love to hear how your Crispy Gnocchi Spinach And Feta turns outdid it become a new family favorite or bring back cherished memories? Feel free to snap a photo, share your experience, and make sure to save this recipe for those future cozy nights. Happy cooking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
