Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

$To make creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy dish. The gnocchi serves as a soft base, while the spinach adds color and nutrition. The feta brings a salty tang that pairs well with the cream. You can add these optional ingredients to enhance the dish: - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Fresh parsley, for garnish Nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the sauce. Fresh parsley gives a nice pop of color and flavor on top. To prepare this dish, have these tools ready: - Large pot for boiling water - Large skillet for sauce - Colander for draining gnocchi - Wooden spoon for stirring These tools make cooking easier and help you create a delicious meal. Having everything on hand ensures a smooth cooking experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add the potato gnocchi. Cook them as per the package instructions. The gnocchi will float when they are done, usually in about 2-3 minutes. Drain them well and set them aside. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute until it smells great. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and let it warm up. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. If you like, add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor. Now it's time to add the good stuff. Slowly mix in two cups of chopped spinach and one cup of crumbled feta cheese. Cook this mixture until the spinach wilts and the cheese begins to melt. This should take about two to three minutes. Gently stir it all together. After that, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss everything together so the gnocchi gets coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To cook gnocchi just right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi gently. Watch them closely. They usually float to the top in 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they are done. Drain them well, but don’t rinse. This keeps the sauce from slipping off. You can swap some ingredients while keeping great flavor. If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese. It melts well and adds a tangy taste. For the heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter option. If you don’t like spinach, kale works too! Just chop it roughly and cook it until tender. Plate the creamy gnocchi in a shallow bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. You can also add extra feta on top if you like. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A light salad on the side adds a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a nice pairing! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Ensure you only add the gnocchi to boiling water, and once they float, they are done! Overcooking can make them mushy. Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach can make the dish watery and affect the creaminess. Cheese Variations: If you want a different flavor profile, try substituting feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier sauce. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or dill along with the spinach for an extra burst of flavor in your creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch out feta cheese for other cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy taste. Cream cheese gives a rich, smooth texture. Parmesan adds a salty kick. Use mozzarella for a melty, stretchy bite. Each cheese changes the flavor but keeps it creamy. Want more protein? Add cooked chicken or shrimp. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. You can also use cooked sausage for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty choices made from rice or sweet potatoes. You can also make your own gnocchi using gluten-free flour. The recipe stays delicious and creamy while meeting gluten-free needs. To keep leftover gnocchi fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. The gnocchi will stay good for about 3 days. Avoid letting it sit out at room temperature, as this can spoil it quickly. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream to help it heat evenly. Cook it on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep it creamy and tasty. If you want to save gnocchi for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them straight from the freezer. Follow the package instructions. They usually take a little longer to cook. You can tell they are done when they float to the top. This makes it easy and quick for a busy day. This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses spinach and feta. Just be sure to check the feta cheese label. Some brands might add animal rennet. If you want to switch things up, try adding mushrooms or bell peppers. They will add great flavor and texture. Creamy gnocchi pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy meal. If you want protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works well. These options complete your meal and make it more filling. This blog post covers all you need for making creamy gnocchi. We discussed key ingredients, tips for perfect cooking, and variations for every taste. You can easily customize this dish to your liking, whether using different cheeses or adding proteins. Don't forget about proper storage for leftovers. With this guide, you're ready to enjoy a rich and tasty meal. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!$

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

A delicious and creamy dish featuring potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface (about 2-3 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.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon zest, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.
Slowly mix in the chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the cheese starts to melt into the sauce, stirring occasionally for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently stirring to combine all the ingredients until the gnocchi is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Plate the creamy gnocchi and garnish with fresh parsley on top.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Keyword creamy, feta, gnocchi, pasta, spinach