Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. I had just discovered gnocchi at my local grocery store and was eager to experiment. I stumbled across a few ingredients I had on hand: fresh spinach and feta cheese. With that simple combination, I put together a dish that was not only quick but absolutely delicious. My family loved it, and to this day, it’s a staple in our home. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this creamy delight brings everyone around the table with smiles.
Why make this recipe?
You should definitely try making Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta for a handful of great reasons! First off, the flavor is incredible. The creamy sauce, combined with the salty feta and fresh spinach, creates a balance that tastes gourmet without all the fuss. Speaking of ease, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious yet simple.
Moreover, it’s budget-friendly! You don’t need to splurge on high-end ingredients to make this tasty meal. Plus, kids usually love it, too, thanks to the tender gnocchi and creamy sauce, making it a win for family dinners. So whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to impress!
How to make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Making Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a straightforward process. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. You will need a large skillet where all the magic happens, and measuring cups are handy for the ingredients. The best part? You won’t need any complex skills or techniques, making it an ideal recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
To make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-step directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta:
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—this usually takes about a minute.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. This will happen pretty quickly, so keep an eye on it!
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese until it melts and combines well with the cream. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta in that creamy, delicious sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you feel fancy!
How to serve Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta?
Serving Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is easy! You can enjoy it as a stand-alone dish, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut the creaminess. Grilled vegetables or crusty garlic bread also complement the meal perfectly. If you want to impress, sprinkle a little extra feta on top before serving for added flavor.
How to store Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Place any leftover Creamy Gnocchi in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of cream if the sauce looks a little thick after freezing.
Tips for perfect Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Here are some tips to ensure your Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta turns out perfect every time:
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Follow the package instructions carefully. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, especially since the feta can be quite salty.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce will be at its peak.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or dill to elevate the flavor even more.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. It will turn this dish into a heartier meal.
- Go vegetarian: Replace feta with a plant-based cheese or even ricotta for a milder taste.
- Add some zest: Consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of lemon juice before serving for an extra punch of flavor.
FAQs about Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’re good to go.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream and add some vegetable broth to achieve a similar creaminess. Alternatively, you could use half-and-half, but your dish might be less rich.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. Cook the gnocchi when you’re ready to serve, then combine everything at the last minute for optimal texture.
By now, you’re ready to make your own Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta! This delightful dish is sure to please everyone around your table. So grab those ingredients and get cooking—you’re in for a treat!
Print
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender gnocchi in a creamy sauce with fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese until it melts and combines well with the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Best served fresh. Add a splash of cream when reheating if the sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: gnocchi, creamy pasta, spinach, feta, vegetarian meal, quick dinner