Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender yet crispy pan-fried gnocchi with fresh sautéed spinach and tangy crumbled feta cheese. The addition of garlic and optional red pepper flakes adds depth and a gentle kick, making it a perfect flavorful vegetarian meal for any time of the day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the gnocchi: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the gnocchi in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure crispiness.
- Cook until crispy: Allow the gnocchi to cook undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Then flip them carefully to brown the other side for another 3-5 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Push the gnocchi to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the fresh spinach, stirring gently to wilt it, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the dish: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the gnocchi and spinach. Stir everything together gently to combine flavors and warm the spinach through.
- Add feta cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and crumble the feta cheese over the gnocchi and spinach mixture. Toss gently to distribute the cheese without melting it completely, keeping a nice texture contrast.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta to plates and serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid stirring the gnocchi too much during frying.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- For a vegan variation, replace feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Keywords: crispy gnocchi, spinach, feta, pan-fried gnocchi, vegetarian, easy gnocchi recipe, Italian gnocchi dish