Creamy Gnocchi Delight with Spinach & Feta

$- 1 pound gnocchi - 5 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup feta cheese - Olive oil - Garlic - Nutmeg - Salt and pepper - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish In this creamy gnocchi dish, you need a few key items. First, let's talk about the main ingredients. You will need one pound of gnocchi. You can use store-bought or make it at home. Fresh spinach is next, and you'll want about five cups. This adds color and a healthy touch. The creamy base comes from one cup of heavy cream. Finally, one cup of crumbled feta cheese gives it a salty, tangy flavor. Next, we have pantry staples. You will need olive oil for cooking and three cloves of minced garlic for flavor. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth to the dish. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. If you want to dress it up, consider optional ingredients. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch on top. Fresh basil makes for a beautiful garnish. It brings a pop of color and fresh flavor. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful meal. I love how simple yet delicious this creamy gnocchi is. It’s comforting and perfect for any dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to prepare store-bought gnocchi To cook store-bought gnocchi, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water bubbles, add the gnocchi. Cook them until they float to the top. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. After they float, let them cook for 2 more minutes. Then, drain them in a colander and set aside. Tips for making homemade gnocchi If you want to make homemade gnocchi, you'll need potatoes, flour, and egg. Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them. Mix in flour and egg until a dough forms. Roll the dough into ropes, cut into pieces, and shape them with a fork. Boil the gnocchi as described above. Sautéing garlic and spinach In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell good but not burn. Next, add 5 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Cook it for 2-3 minutes, until it wilts down nicely. Adding cream and incorporating feta Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help the sauce thicken. After that, stir in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix until the feta melts and blends into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Tossing the gnocchi with sauce Now, add the cooked gnocchi to your creamy sauce. Gently toss the gnocchi to coat them well. Make sure each piece gets covered in the sauce. Heating tips for optimal flavor Let the gnocchi heat through for about 2 minutes in the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If you want, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor before serving. To boost flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme and oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Serve this dish with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free gnocchi. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to lower calories. You can also use Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi. If they cook too long, they become mushy. Watch the sauce consistency closely. It should be creamy but not too thick. If it gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality feta. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and enhance its creaminess. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a unique twist on the traditional feta flavor. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. Make it a Meal: Add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this dish into a hearty main course that's perfect for dinner. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your creamy gnocchi to make it heartier. Chicken works well. Cook it in the skillet before adding the spinach. Shrimp is another great choice. Simply sauté it until pink, then mix it in with the gnocchi. If you prefer a vegetarian option, chickpeas are perfect. They add fiber and protein, making your meal more filling. Spinach is fantastic, but you can switch it up. Kale is a great alternative. It adds a nice texture and flavor. Broccoli also works well in this dish. Just steam it lightly before adding to the sauce. You can also use seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a fresh twist. Feel free to experiment! Feta cheese gives a nice tang, but you can try other cheeses too. Goat cheese offers a similar creaminess with a unique flavor. Ricotta is another option that makes the sauce very rich. If you want a vegan choice, look for plant-based feta or cream cheese. These substitutes will keep your dish creamy while meeting dietary needs. To store leftover creamy gnocchi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps avoid condensation, which can make the gnocchi soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If it stays longer, the sauce might separate or the gnocchi may become mushy. To freeze cooked gnocchi and sauce, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it warm up evenly. Stir gently until it’s hot. This keeps the gnocchi from becoming too dry. Enjoy your creamy dish even after a few days! To make homemade gnocchi, you need simple ingredients. Use about 2 pounds of potatoes, 1 cup of flour, and 1 egg. First, cook the potatoes until soft. Peel them and mash them until smooth. Mix the mashed potatoes with flour and egg. Knead the dough gently. Then, roll it into long ropes and cut them into small pieces. Use a fork to create grooves. These grooves help sauce stick to the gnocchi better. Yes, you can prep creamy gnocchi ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and prepare the creamy sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, heat the sauce and add the gnocchi. This helps keep the gnocchi from getting too soft. If you want, you can also freeze the cooked gnocchi. Just remember to thaw them before heating. If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken. Another option is to use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. It adds a nice flavor. Just remember, each alternative may change the creaminess a bit, so adjust to your taste! This blog post covers a creamy gnocchi recipe full of flavor. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, including gnocchi, spinach, and feta cheese. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and some tips to avoid common mistakes. You learned about variations to customize the dish and how to store leftovers. Enjoy making this delicious meal that fits your taste. With the right ingredients and a bit of care, you can create a favorite dish anyone will love. Experiment and have fun in the kitchen!$

Creamy Gnocchi Delight with Spinach & Feta

A rich and creamy gnocchi dish featuring fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
to taste salt and pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once they rise to the surface of the boiling water, allow them to cook for an additional 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and nutmeg, mixing until the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the creamy sauce and gently toss to coat all the pieces. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of feta cheese for a pop of color.

Keyword creamy, feta, gnocchi, spinach, vegetarian