CRISPY GNOCCHI WITH SPINACH AMAZING

Forget gummy, sad little potato dumplings! Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is here to rescue your weeknight dinners with its golden-brown, delightfully chewy texture, bright herbaceous flavors, and salty cheese crumbles scattered throughout. It’s a dish so quick and satisfying, that it will become your new comfort food staple. I promise you’ll never look at gnocchi the same way again!

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 (17.6 ounce) package gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra feta cheese
• A drizzle of olive oil

Let’s Talk Gnocchi

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about gnocchi itself. You might be thinking, “Gnocchi? Isn’t that hard to make?” Well, homemade gnocchi can be a labor of love, but we’re using the store-bought variety to keep things simple and speedy. You can find it in the pasta aisle, either shelf-stable or refrigerated. Both work great in this recipe! The key to achieving that coveted crispiness is how we cook them, which we’ll get to shortly.

The Secret to Crispy Gnocchi

Okay, this is where the magic happens! The biggest mistake people make with gnocchi is boiling it to death. We want to skip that entirely. Instead, we’re pan-frying our gnocchi directly in olive oil. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that’s crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside. It’s a game-changer!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure your skillet is large enough to hold all the gnocchi in a single layer. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully, but any large skillet will do.

Crisp the Gnocchi:

1. Add the gnocchi to the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the gnocchi in batches.
2. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This is where patience pays off! Resist the urge to move them around too much initially; let them develop a nice crust before flipping.

Add the Aromatics:

1. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Wilt the Spinach:

1. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will shrink down significantly as it cooks.

Finishing Touches:

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that feta is already quite salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, extra feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Tips for Gnocchi Perfection

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and steams the gnocchi instead of browning them. Work in batches if needed.
• Use Enough Oil: The olive oil helps the gnocchi crisp up nicely. Don’t skimp on it!
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of salt you need will depend on the saltiness of your feta.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just add them to the skillet along with the spinach.

Variations to Try

This Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is delicious as is, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Use Different Cheese: Try using goat cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta instead of feta.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, try serving it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. If you’re in the mood for more cheesy goodness, you should try our Spinach Mushroom Lasagna.

Making it Ahead and Storing

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. The spinach can be chopped, and the garlic can be minced in advance. You can even crisp the gnocchi ahead of time and then reheat them in the skillet before adding the spinach and feta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love pasta as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes. For a creamy and flavorful dish, try this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. If you want a classic and simple pasta dish you should try Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. Or, if you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, give this Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Why This Recipe Works

This Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta recipe is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The pan-fried gnocchi provides a satisfyingly crispy texture that’s a welcome change from the usual gummy gnocchi. The spinach adds a boost of nutrients and freshness, while the feta cheese provides a salty and tangy contrast. The lemon juice brightens everything up, and the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. It’s a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Enjoy Your Crispy Gnocchi!

So there you have it – a simple, flavorful, and totally addictive Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Happy cooking, and remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

This recipe transforms store-bought gnocchi into a crispy, golden-brown delight. Tossed with fresh spinach, salty feta, and a touch of lemon, it’s a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
• Extra feta cheese for garnish
• A drizzle of olive oil for garnish

Equipment

• large skillet
• spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Garlic press or knife
• cutting board
• knife

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the gnocchi to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Stir in the feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the feta.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, extra feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the gnocchi, or they will steam instead of crisping. Use enough oil to help them brown nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the spinach. For variations, try adding cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for protein, or using different cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta. A pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can add extra heat. Stirring in a splash of heavy cream at the end will create a creamier sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave. You can crisp the gnocchi ahead of time and then reheat them in the skillet before adding the spinach and feta.