If you are a fan of comforting, rich dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. The pillowy potato gnocchi soak up a luscious, velvety sauce that perfectly balances the bright tang of feta cheese with the fresh earthiness of spinach. Each bite delivers a delightful medley of creamy textures and vibrant flavors that make this dish both satisfying and fresh. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive yet easy meal for friends, it’s a recipe that brings joy with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say this recipe shines because of how simple and thoughtful its ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of creaminess, savory notes, and fresh green goodness.
- Potato gnocchi (1 lb or 450g): These soft, pillowy dumplings are the star of the dish, soaking up all the creamy sauce effortlessly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity richness essential for sautéing and flavor layering.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Brings a delicate sweetness that forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Packs a punch of aromatic warmth, brightening the entire dish.
- Fresh spinach leaves (5 oz or 150g): Adds vivid color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste that balances the richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup or 240ml): The backbone of the sauce’s luxurious texture, smoothing out every bite.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup or 50g): Introduces a tangy, salty punch that contrasts beautifully with the cream.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup or 25g): Enhances the savory depth with a nutty finish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out the layers of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who loves a subtle kick of heat as a finishing touch.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fragrant, herbal garnish that elevates the dish’s presentation and aroma.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the potato gnocchi and cook them just as the package suggests—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready once they begin to float effortlessly to the surface. This quick cooking step ensures they remain tender and spongy for soaking up that incredible sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
While the gnocchi is bubbling away, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and give it about 3 to 4 minutes to soften and turn translucent. This gentle sauté sweetens the onion and lays the flavorful foundation you’ll build on.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just one minute. Keep an eye on it—you want just the right amount of golden aroma without any bitterness from burning. This step boosts the dish’s aroma and complexity with garlic’s signature warmth.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Now add fresh spinach leaves right into the skillet. Stir them around gently for about 2 minutes until they have just wilted. The spinach not only infuses a vibrant green color but also a slight earthiness that balances the creamy, cheesy elements perfectly.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and allow the whole mix to come to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce starts to thicken and transform. Then sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese, stirring carefully until it melts into a tangy, indulgent sauce that envelops the spinach and onions like a warm blanket.
Step 6: Combine Gnocchi and Cheese
Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy spinach and feta sauce. Once combined, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over everything and stir through until every gnocchi is luxuriously coated. Those cheesy layers create a harmonious finish, making every bite utterly crave-worthy.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Don’t forget to season your dish generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you love a little heat, now is the perfect moment to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This simple seasoning step brings all the flavors into perfect balance with just the right amount of zing.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a bright, herbal touch. This final garnish not only makes the dish look stunning but adds a subtle fragrance that invites you to dig in immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing flair, consider adding extra crumbles of feta or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top. Fresh basil or even a few torn mint leaves bring a refreshing, aromatic contrast to the creamy base. A light dusting of black pepper or red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and just the right bite of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with some crisp, garlic-infused green beans or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty bread is another fantastic option to sop up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or looking to kick things up a notch, plate the dish in shallow bowls with a sprig of basil on top and a few Parmesan shards scattered around. You can also bake the combined gnocchi and sauce briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that makes this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the gnocchi may absorb some sauce and soften a bit more, which still makes for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but because of the cream and delicate spinach, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you’d like to freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, warm your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much to bring back its creamy, silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent separating the sauce, and instead, heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. Frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative that still delivers great flavor and color.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is! This recipe contains no meat and relies on cheese and vegetables for its rich flavors, making it an excellent choice for a vegetarian meal. Just double-check the labels on your cheeses to ensure they use vegetarian-friendly rennet if this is important to you.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version; however, keep in mind that the sauce may be less thick and creamy. To compensate, you might add a small amount of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce gently.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free gnocchi available at many grocery stores or specialty food shops. Be sure to verify all other ingredients are also gluten-free, such as cheese and seasoning.
What wine pairs well with this creamy, cheesy gnocchi dish?
A crisp, refreshing white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light, unoaked Chardonnay complements the rich creaminess and tangy feta beautifully. These wines cut through the richness and highlight the fresh spinach notes for a balanced meal experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing, the Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe is waiting to win your heart. Its velvety sauce, fresh greens, and bright cheese notes come together in a way that feels effortlessly gourmet but is so easy to make. I encourage you to try it soon — it’s comfort food elevated, a perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones any night of the week.
Print
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish. Tender potato gnocchi are cooked to perfection and then enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and crumbled feta cheese. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a touch of seasoning, this dish offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and savory notes, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz (150g) fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the crumbled feta cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy spinach sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the gnocchi are well coated.
- Season: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional heat.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; baby spinach can be used as well.
- Gnocchi cooks very quickly; watch for them to float to the surface to avoid overcooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
- Adjust the amount of feta cheese based on your preference for saltiness and tang.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- This dish is best served immediately to preserve the creamy texture.
