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Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta, a delicious and healthy meal, is the featured image for this recipe.

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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.