Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta: A Delicious Comfort Meal

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of creamy gnocchi, and when you add fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese to the mix, you elevate a simple pasta dish to something truly special. This recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for those busy weeknights when flavor and convenience are a must. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Making It

The beauty of this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta lies in its simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to prepare, needing less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s satisfying and full of character. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing!

“This dish is a game-changer! My kids devoured it, and I loved how quick it was to make!” – A Happy Home Cook

Preparing Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Cooking this delightful dish is straightforward and involves just a few essential steps. First, you’ll start with perfectly cooked gnocchi that provides a soft, pillowy texture. Then, you’ll sauté the garlic in olive oil, allowing its aroma to fill your kitchen, before adding in fresh spinach until it wilts. Finally, the heavy cream and feta cheese create a luscious sauce that envelopes the gnocchi beautifully.

With that in mind, let’s gather what you’ll need to get started.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound 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
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Feel free to swap in different leafy greens like kale or chard if you want to experiment!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese, mixing well until the cheese begins to melt.
5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, and toss to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the mixture for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Serve warm, and if you like, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Best Way to Serve

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta shines on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with a simple arugula salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience. You could even add a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, storing them is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; however, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up.

Pro Chef Tips

• Ensure your gnocchi is cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.
• Don’t skimp on the garlic; it adds depth and flavor to the dish.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Creative Twists

Feel free to switch up the flavors! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist, or sprinkle in some fresh herbs like basil or dill to refresh the dish. You could also experiment with different cheese choices—goat cheese provides a tangy twist, while mozzarella offers a delightful stretch.

Helpful FAQs

What’s the prep time for this dish?

It takes only about 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients and about 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes!

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

With a bit of adjustment, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.

How do I know if my gnocchi is cooked properly?

Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the boiling water. Make sure not to overcook them, or they will become too soft.

With this engaging dish, there’s no doubt you’ll impress your loved ones with minimal effort. Grab your ingredients and enjoy a delightful dinner!

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and comforting dish featuring soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound 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
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese, mixing well until the cheese begins to melt.
5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, and toss to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the mixture for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Serve warm, and if desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For added flavor, consider pairing with a simple arugula salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: gnocchi, creamy pasta, vegetarian recipe, quick dinner, comfort food