🎉 Introduction
This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet stays light, balanced, and wholesome. Pillowy gnocchi are coated in a silky sauce made with olive oil, garlic, and melted feta, then finished with fresh spinach for color, nutrients, and freshness.
It’s perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- A cozy vegetarian dinner
- Quick meals with minimal ingredients
- When you want comfort food without heaviness
This recipe comes together fast, uses one pan, and delivers big flavor with simple, real ingredients.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot (for gnocchi)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring spoons
🛒 Ingredients
Carefully balanced for creaminess, savory flavor, and nutritional balance.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Aromatics & Fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Feta provides natural creaminess and tang without heavy cream.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until fully wilted.
Step 5: Add the Gnocchi
Add the cooked gnocchi directly to the skillet. Toss gently to combine with the spinach and garlic.
Step 6: Season
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute seasoning.
Step 7: Add the Feta
Lower the heat slightly and add the crumbled feta cheese. Stir gently until the feta softens and forms a creamy coating around the gnocchi.
Step 8: Adjust Texture
If needed, add a small splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it extra silky.
Step 9: Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 3–4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
A perfect fast and satisfying vegetarian dinner.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat
- Add a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess
Avoid high heat to keep the feta sauce smooth.
🥄 Variations
Customize your Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta easily:
- Extra Protein: Add chickpeas or white beans
- More Veggies: Add mushrooms or zucchini
- Milder Flavor: Reduce red pepper flakes
- Lemon Finish: Add lemon zest for brightness
- Extra Creamy: Add a spoon of yogurt
Each variation keeps the dish balanced and comforting.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s fully vegetarian. - Is it spicy?
Mild, with gentle heat from red pepper flakes. - Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze dry first. - Does feta really make it creamy?
Yes, it melts slightly and coats the gnocchi. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi. - Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce the pepper flakes. - Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats well. - Do I need cream or milk?
No, feta provides creaminess. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan. - What can I serve with it?
A simple salad or roasted vegetables.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With soft gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and tangy feta, it delivers rich flavor in a light, satisfying way.
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy vegetarian dinner that feels indulgent without the guilt, this recipe is a must-try.
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta for a Quick, Healthy, and Comforting Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until fully wilted.
- Add the cooked gnocchi directly to the skillet. Toss gently to combine with the spinach and garlic.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute seasoning.
- Lower the heat slightly and add the crumbled feta cheese. Stir gently until the feta softens and forms a creamy coating around the gnocchi.
- If needed, add a small splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it extra silky.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Yes, it’s fully vegetarian. Is it spicy?
Mild, with gentle heat from red pepper flakes. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze dry first. Does feta really make it creamy?
Yes, it melts slightly and coats the gnocchi. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce the pepper flakes. Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats well. Do I need cream or milk?
No, feta provides creaminess. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan. What can I serve with it?
A simple salad or roasted vegetables. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With soft gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and tangy feta, it delivers rich flavor in a light, satisfying way. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy vegetarian dinner that feels indulgent without the guilt, this recipe is a must-try.
