Craving a dinner that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying? Meet your new go-to: Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta. This delightful dish transforms simple pantry staples into a Greek-inspired feast, reminiscent of classic spanakopita flavors. Enjoy the unique textures of tender, vibrant spinach paired with perfectly golden, crispy gnocchi. It’s a weeknight miracle that delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Get ready for a flavorful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
You’ll adore this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta for so many reasons. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners alike!
- Quick and Easy: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh herbs and tangy feta create a vibrant taste profile.
- Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of perfectly crisped gnocchi.
- Minimal Cleanup: It’s a simple one-pan recipe, making post-dinner tidying a breeze.
- Healthy & Satisfying: A wholesome vegetarian option that truly fills you up.
Ingredients
Get ready to create an amazing Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta with these fresh ingredients. We keep things simple for maximum flavor and minimal fuss!
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 6 ounces Greek feta, crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (16- to 17-ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Big handful of chopped fresh dill
- Big handful of chopped fresh mint
Notes & Substitutions
- Gnocchi: Shelf-stable potato gnocchi cooks up wonderfully crispy. If using frozen gnocchi, you do not need to defrost it first.
- Greens: Feel free to swap baby spinach for arugula, chopped Swiss chard, or kale if you prefer.
Authentic Greek feta, often distinguished by its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, offers a truly unique and tangy flavor profile. You can learn more about PDO Feta cheese.
- Feta: Authentic Greek feta provides the best tangy, salty kick. You can also try goat cheese for a milder, creamier alternative.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are key here for bright flavor. Parsley or oregano make excellent additions or substitutions.
- Spice: Adjust the crushed red pepper to your desired heat level. Omit it entirely if you prefer no spice.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta.
- Large mixing bowl
- 12-inch cast-iron or nonstick skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Citrus juicer (optional, for the lemon)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta. Cooking has never been easier!
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach & Feta Mixture
Place the baby spinach into your large mixing bowl. Add half of the crumbled feta, the juice from half of your lemon, 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt. Now, get your hands in there! Vigorously rub and massage these ingredients into the spinach. This crucial step tenderizes the spinach, making it incredibly soft and flavorful. Let this mixture sit aside while you move on to crisping the gnocchi.
Step 2: Crisp the Gnocchi
Heat a large (about 12-inch) cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to the hot pan. Carefully add the gnocchi to the skillet, breaking apart any pieces that might be stuck together. Allow the gnocchi to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing them every 2 minutes. You want them to turn a beautiful golden color and become wonderfully crispy all over. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let the gnocchi cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Add the warm, crispy gnocchi directly into the bowl with your tenderized spinach and feta mixture. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper (adjust to your taste), thinly sliced scallions, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh mint. Drizzle the dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the rest of the crumbled feta over the top. Squeeze the juice from the remaining half lemon over everything. Toss all the ingredients gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring every piece of gnocchi and spinach is coated in those amazing flavors. Serve your Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Achieving Crispy Gnocchi: For truly crispy gnocchi, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Ensure your skillet is hot and use medium-high heat.
- Air Fryer Option: You can also crisp your gnocchi in an air fryer! Toss gnocchi with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and puffed.
- Tenderizing Spinach: Don’t skip massaging the spinach! This breaks down the fibers, creating a silkier texture and allowing it to absorb the flavors better.
- Lemon Balance: Lemon juice brightens the whole dish. Taste as you go and adjust the amount of lemon juice to your personal preference for tanginess.
- Seasoning: Always taste your food! Adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure the flavors truly pop.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a fantastic meal on its own, but it also offers many delicious possibilities.
- Serving: Enjoy this dish as a satisfying main course for a light dinner or lunch. It also makes an excellent vegetarian side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
- Storage: Store any leftover Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This helps the gnocchi regain some of its crispness.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein by stirring in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or corn kernels for added nutrition and color.
- Cheesy Boost: For an extra layer of cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This estimate for Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is based on 4 servings per recipe. Please remember that nutritional values can vary depending on specific brands and exact measurements used. This provides a general guide for your meal planning.
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits due to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Research from Healthline highlights many advantages of incorporating spinach into your diet.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 442 calories |
| Fat | 26 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Trans Fat | 0 grams |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14 grams |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 42 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Sodium | 684 milligrams |
FAQ
- Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes, absolutely! Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly. Aim for a golden-brown and crispy exterior. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the spinach and feta mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, cook the gnocchi just before serving to ensure maximum crispness. - Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper, so it has a mild kick. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your desired heat level for your Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta. - Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Sauté them briefly before combining with the gnocchi.
Conclusion
There you have it: a truly delightful, quick, and easy meal that brings a burst of fresh flavors to your table. This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta beautifully marries tender greens, tangy feta, and perfectly crispy potato gnocchi. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something satisfying yet simple to prepare. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy gnocchi!
Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place spinach in a large bowl. Add half the feta, juice of half a lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt; rub into the spinach to tenderize and let sit.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add gnocchi and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing every 2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi to the spinach mixture, along with red pepper, scallions, dill, and mint. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the remaining feta, and toss to combine. Squeeze the remaining lemon juice over top and serve.
