There’s something incredibly comforting about gnocchi, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! This creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta is one of those meals that just feels like home. I remember the first time I made this dish; I had a bunch of fresh spinach from the farmers’ market and feta cheese leftover from a salad I made for a gathering. A little experimentation in the kitchen, and voilà! A delightful dish was born. Since then, it has become a regular feature in our weeknight dinners and a favorite amongst friends.
Let’s dive in and explore why you need to make this dish tonight.
Reasons to try it
Why will you fall head over heels for this creamy gnocchi? For starters, it’s rich and luscious without feeling overly heavy. The combination of creamy textures from the heavy cream and the crumbly tang of feta strikes a perfect balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve at a cozy dinner party.
And let’s not forget about the spinach, which adds a beautiful pop of color and an extra dose of nutrients. Not only will you be savoring an exquisite dish, but you’ll also be sneaking in some greens in the most delicious way possible. Trust me, this is a win-win recipe!
Gather these ingredients
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Gnocchi: The star of the show! These little potato dumplings are soft, chewy, and heartwarming. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own from scratch, but store-bought gnocchi saves time without sacrificing taste.
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Fresh Spinach: You’ll want vibrant, tender spinach that wilts just right. It’s super versatile—feel free to substitute with kale or Swiss chard if that’s what you have on hand.
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Feta Cheese: The tangy, creamy component that elevates this dish to heavenly levels. Crumble it yourself for maximum freshness, or use pre-crumbled feta if you’re in a hurry.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil will boost the flavors and help everything cook evenly. Extra virgin is my go-to, but any oil you have will do.
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Garlic: Mincing fresh garlic releases oils that transform a simple dish into something aromatic and delicious. If you’re feeling like a garlic lover, don’t hold back!
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Heavy Cream: For that rich, creamy sauce that envelops the gnocchi. You could substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but then you might miss out on that indulgent feel.
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Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t forget these seasoning heroes! They’re essential for balancing and enhancing the dish’s flavors.
The cooking process explained
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Cook the gnocchi: Start by boiling water and cooking the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they’re just tender. You want them to float to the top—it’s like they’re telling you they’re ready!
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Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in a generous splash of olive oil. Let it warm up, but don’t let it smoke!
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Sauté garlic: Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—oh, the aroma will have you dreaming already!
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Add fresh spinach: Next, add the spinach to the skillet. Stir it around until it wilts down. This part is like watching magic unfold!
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Cream it up: Pour in the heavy cream and crumble your feta cheese into the mixture. Stir until they marry into a decadent sauce. If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more cream!
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Season generously: Add salt and black pepper to enhance flavors. Taste and adjust as needed—it’s your masterpiece, after all!
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Combine it all: Now, gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss everything together until the gnocchi is coated in that creamy sauce.
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Serve and enjoy: Plate your gnocchi while it’s still warm, and savor every delightful bite!
Best way to enjoy it
This creamy gnocchi is wonderful on its own, but for a truly impressive meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. A crisp glass of white wine would also beautifully complement the dish’s richness. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for an added crunch or fresh herbs like basil or dill to enhance the flavor profile.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Got leftovers? This dish stores quite well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to revisit it, simply reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore some of that luscious texture. I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish due to the cream and cheese—things might get a bit funky in the freezer!
Pro chef tips
A little trick I like is adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce; it adds a surprisingly delightful depth without overwhelming the dish. And don’t be shy about adjusting the seasoning—this dish is versatile!
If you want to make it lighter, swap out heavy cream for a yogurt-based sauce for a tangy twist.
Creative Twists
Feel free to play with flavors! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a hint of sweetness or olives for a salty bite. If you’re a fan of spices, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will kick this dish up another notch. For a hearty variation, toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a full meal.
Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Fresh spinach
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions to follow
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve warm.
Common questions
- How long does it take to prepare? The total time for this meal is roughly 20-25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! It’s already vegetarian, as long as the feta cheese is rennet-free!
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half or even Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, though they’ll give a different texture.
- Can I add protein? Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon can be delicious additions.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly? I recommend enjoying it fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days.
There you have it—a culinary experience that’s delicious, comforting, and surprisingly simple! Why not give this creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta a try tonight? Embrace the flavors, make it your own with personal twists, and don’t forget to share your success stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Description
This creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a delightful weeknight meal that's simple to make and full of comforting flavors.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Cook the Gnocchi
Boil water and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float. -
Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in olive oil and allow it to warm. -
Sauté Garlic
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. -
Add Fresh Spinach
Add spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts. -
Cream It Up
Pour in the heavy cream and crumble feta into the mixture. Stir until combined.Add more cream if the sauce seems too thick. -
Season Generously
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. -
Combine It All
Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat. -
Serve and Enjoy
Plate your gnocchi while warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 1000 IU
- Vitamin C 25 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin K 40 mcg
- Phosphorus 250 mg
- Magnesium 50 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.
