Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Oh, hello there! There’s something truly magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’m super excited to share with you my all-time favorite weeknight comfort food: creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta. Trust me, this dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into fluffy, pillowy gnocchi, smothered in a luscious cream sauce that has just the right tang from feta cheese. The fresh spinach adds a vibrancy that makes you feel like you’re making a nutritious choice (even when you’re indulging). This recipe is a breeze to make, takes under 30 minutes, and impresses everyone from your family to that special someone who just needs a little coaxing to realize how great home-cooked food can be. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can whip it up for a cozy dinner or serve it at your next gathering—it’s bound to become a crowd-pleaser!

Gather these ingredients

Here’s the beautiful thing about this dish: it requires only a handful of ingredients, but together they create something truly spectacular.

• Gnocchi (1 package): The star of the show! Opt for potato gnocchi for that perfect pillowy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making it from scratch, but let’s save that for the weekend, okay?

• Fresh Spinach (2 cups): This not only adds color but also packs in vitamins and minerals. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it well.

• Feta Cheese (1 cup, crumbled): The salty, tangy element that ties everything together. If you fancy a different flavor, try goat cheese for a creamier twist!

• Heavy Cream (1 cup): This is what makes the sauce luxuriously rich. You could substitute half-and-half if you want something a bit lighter, but oh, the creaminess is hard to beat.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because every good dish starts with garlic, right? It adds a depth of flavor that you can’t skip—trust me!

• Olive Oil: A splash to sauté the ingredients and create that perfect starting base.

• Salt and Pepper to taste: Always season well! It makes all the difference.

Preparing Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Let’s dive into the cooking process—it’s simpler than you might think!

1. Cook the Gnocchi: Start by boiling water in a large pot, then cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Once they start floating to the top, will let you know they’re ready. Drain and set aside—don’t rinse!

2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, drizzle in some olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about one minute. Keep an eye on it; we want it golden, not burnt!

3. Add Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts. This only takes a minute or two, and the vibrant green will put a smile on your face.

4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. As it bubbles, stir in the crumbled feta, letting it melt and blend into the creamy goodness.

5. Combine Gnocchi: Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, tossing everything together so those little clouds of goodness are coated in that luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve Warm: Scoop it into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of extra feta. It’s all about the presentation, after all!

Best way to enjoy it

This dish is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it even further! A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect companion, balancing the richness of the gnocchi. Or why not pair it with some crusty bread? You know, the kind that’s just begging to be dipped in that creamy goodness?

Storage and reheating tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case), here’s the scoop: store the creamy gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, the creamy sauce may thicken as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. You can do this in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop, stirring until creamy again.

Pro chef tips

• Don’t rush: Letting the garlic soften will enhance the flavors.
• Quick-wilt: Spinach cooks fast! Keep the heat consistent so it gets soft without losing its fresh color.
• Season well: Tasting as you go is key. Just a little bit is all you need to elevate the flavors profoundly.

Creative Twists

Feeling funky? Here are a few ways to remix this recipe:

• Add Protein: Toss in some sautéed chicken or shrimp for an added kick.
• Spice it Up: Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
• Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like dill or basil can add a beautiful layer of flavor.

Ingredients list

• 1 package gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Directions to follow

1. Boil water and cook the gnocchi as per package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in feta cheese until melted.
5. Toss in cooked gnocchi and combine. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm, garnished with extra feta if desired.

Your questions answered

• How long does this take to prepare? About 30 minutes from start to finish—it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
• Can I make this in advance? While it’s best fresh, you can make it a few hours ahead and just reheat gently.
• What if I don’t have gnocchi? Pasta works too! Just follow package instructions.

Delving into this creamy gnocchi dish is not just about putting food on the table; it’s about creating a moment of joy and comfort. The rich flavors and delightful textures combine in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing. I encourage you to try this recipe, play with flavors, and most importantly, make it yours. Don’t forget to share your twists—after all, we’re in this cooking journey together! 😊

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Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 30 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 500

Description

A comforting and delectable dish featuring fluffy gnocchi in a rich cream sauce with fresh spinach and tangy feta.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 package gnocchi (Opt for potato gnocchi for a fluffy texture.)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (Can substitute with thawed frozen spinach.)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (Substitute with goat cheese for a creamy twist.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Adds depth of flavor.)
• to taste salt and pepper
• as needed olive oil (For sautéing.)

Directions

Cooking Steps

1. Boil the Gnocchi

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi as per package directions. Once they float to the surface, they are ready. Drain and set aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the Garlic

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Ensure garlic is golden, not burnt.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Spinach

   Add fresh spinach, stirring until wilted, which should only take a minute or two.
   Keep an eye on the heat to maintain the color.
   Mark as complete

4. Make the Sauce

   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in crumbled feta until melted.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine Gnocchi

   Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, mixing well to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve Warm

   Scoop into bowls and garnish with extra feta if desired. Serve warm.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 36g56%

Saturated Fat 21g105%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 15g30%

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Vitamin A 2500 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For additional flavor, consider adding protein like chicken or shrimp, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.

Keywords: gnocchi, creamy, spinach, feta, comfort food, easy recipe