Elevate your weeknight dinners with this incredible Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta. This recipe offers a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for busy evenings when you crave something delicious and homemade without a fuss.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into a magnificent meal in under 20 minutes! Its velvety sauce, tender gnocchi, and the salty tang of feta combine for an unforgettable experience. Get ready for a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour. Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This creates a flavorful base for our creamy sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet with the garlic. Cook according to package directions, which usually involves boiling them in water until they float (about 2-3 minutes). Alternatively, you can pan-fry them from raw for a slightly different texture. Once cooked, drain them if you boiled them separately, or proceed if cooked in the skillet.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the gnocchi. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and the sauce begins to thicken. This step creates the luscious, creamy texture that defines this dish.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time if necessary. Stir gently until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce. This usually takes only 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Feta and Season: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Allow it to warm through for about a minute. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Toss everything together to ensure the gnocchi, spinach, and feta are well combined in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
You’ll adore this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta for its incredibly rich and comforting texture, easily rivaling any restaurant-quality pasta dish. The star of the show is undoubtedly the luxurious, velvety sauce that perfectly coats each pillowy gnocchi, offering a delightful bite that’s both satisfying and addictive. Plus, making this delightful meal at home is incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet experience without breaking the bank, especially compared to takeout options.
The brilliant combination of tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and the bright, salty punch of feta cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you coming back for more. It’s a fantastic alternative to your usual spaghetti or fettuccine, offering a unique twist on comfort food. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this delightful Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta this week – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers of your delicious Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to prevent the sauce from breaking or the gnocchi from becoming mushy. You can:
- Stovetop Method (Recommended): Place the leftovers in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream (or even a splash of water) to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and continuously until heated through. This method helps maintain the creamy texture best.
- Microwave Method: Place the gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream. Cover loosely and microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat.
Freezing: While not ideal as the texture of the gnocchi and sauce can be compromised upon thawing, you can freeze this dish. Ensure it’s completely cooled, then place in a freezer-safe airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using the stovetop method as described above, adding extra liquid as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a true weeknight hero, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. We promise, it’s so easy and satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and discover your new favorite comforting meal!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This creates a flavorful base for our creamy sauce.1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet with the garlic. Cook according to package directions, which usually involves boiling them in water until they float (about 2-3 minutes). Alternatively, you can pan-fry them from raw for a slightly different texture. Once cooked, drain them if you boiled them separately, or proceed if cooked in the skillet.1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the gnocchi. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.1 cup heavy cream
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and the sauce begins to thicken. This step creates the luscious, creamy texture that defines this dish.1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time if necessary. Stir gently until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce. This usually takes only 1-2 minutes.4 cups fresh spinach
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Allow it to warm through for about a minute. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, Salt, Pinch red pepper flakes
- Toss everything together to ensure the gnocchi, spinach, and feta are well combined in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.