If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta is calling your name. This beginner-friendly recipe brings together tender potato dumplings and a lush, velvety sauce that envelops each pillowy bite. The dish balances vibrant greens with tangy feta and rich cream, turning simple ingredients into a true symphony of flavor. With only 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend lunches. Every forkful offers a medley of textures—gnocchi that practically melt on your tongue, wilted spinach adding a gentle earthiness, and crumbles of feta lending that signature salty bite.
As you sit down to savor this delightful plate, you might notice how easily it pairs with a crisp side salad or a hunk of crusty bread, making it a versatile star of any table. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this easy recipe delivers comfort food magic while still feeling light and satisfying. With approximately 550 calories per serving, you get indulgence and nutrition in one bowl. So roll up your sleeves, dust off your skillet, and get ready to dive into a meal that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary moments around the table.
Bringing together high-quality staples and a few pantry heroes, this recipe’s ingredients are designed to shine both individually and collaboratively. From the silky texture of the cream to the bold punch of feta, each component plays an important role in creating that unforgettable, comforting finish. Let’s break down these kitchen essentials so you can understand why they work so well in harmony.
- Potato gnocchi
These light, pillow-like dumplings serve as the base of the dish, absorbing the creamy sauce and providing a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Olive oil
A fruity, heart-healthy fat that lends a smooth mouthfeel, prevents sticking, and helps to gently sauté the aromatics without overpowering them.
- Onion
When finely chopped and sautéed until translucent, onions build a subtly sweet, savory foundation that enhances every subsequent layer of flavor.
- Garlic
Minced garlic adds a fragrant kick, infusing the sauce with its characteristic warmth and depth in just a minute of cooking.
- Diced tomatoes
Drained to avoid excess liquid, these tomatoes lend a bright, tangy note that balances out the richness of the cream and the saltiness of feta.
- Fresh spinach
Roughly chopped, it wilts quickly to introduce vibrant color, lightness, and a gentle mineral quality that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Heavy cream
This luxurious dairy component ensures the sauce achieves that signature silky consistency, binding the ingredients together and creating a luscious coating.
- Feta cheese
Crumbled into the sauce, feta melts into little pockets of tangy, salty goodness that cut through the richness and elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the other ingredients, ensuring every bite tastes bright and well-rounded.
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
A pinch brings a gentle warmth and subtle heat, offering an optional spicy lift to the dish.
- Fresh basil
Chopped for garnish, basil adds an herbaceous sweetness and aromatic freshness just before serving.
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of savory umami and a delicate salty crunch.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GNOCCHI WITH SPINACH AND FETA
Bringing this recipe to life is as simple as following a few straightforward steps. From cooking the gnocchi to building the sauce in one pan, each stage is crafted to keep flavors bright and textures perfect. Let’s walk through the process together so you can serve a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually about 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the top. Once they rise, immediately drain them in a colander and set aside to keep them tender and ready for the sauce.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until it releases that irresistible fragrance—watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
4. Stir in the well-drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently to allow their juices and flavors to meld with the aromatics.
5. Add the fresh spinach and continue to sauté until it completely wilts, about 2–3 minutes, stirring so each piece gets coated in the flavorful tomato-onion base.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring to avoid sticking.
7. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
8. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat each dumpling with the luscious sauce, ensuring even distribution of spinach, tomatoes, and feta.
9. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking the cream or wilting the spinach further.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of savory umami.
11. Serve hot and dive into that creamy, comforting goodness right away!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY GNOCCHI WITH SPINACH AND FETA
When it comes to serving this vibrant, creamy gnocchi, presentation and thoughtful pairings can take your meal from satisfying to spectacular. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or simply treating yourself, here are some delightful ideas to elevate each plate and complement the luscious textures and tangy flavors.
- Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity and vibrant crunch of arugula, radicchio, or baby spinach cut through the creaminess, offering a refreshing contrast that awakens the palate.
- Offer slices of warm, crusty bread—like garlic-rubbed sourdough or a rustic baguette—to scoop up every last bit of the sauce. Toast it until golden on the edges and brush with extra olive oil for an irresistible, garlicky accompaniment.
- Serve alongside grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus tips, zucchini ribbons, or cherry tomato halves. Their smoky or caramelized edges bring a lovely char and natural sweetness that pairs harmoniously with the rich sauce.
- Add a finishing drizzle of premium extra virgin olive oil and a fresh crack of black pepper right before serving. This simple touch enhances the overall mouthfeel and adds a final layer of fragrant complexity.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY GNOCCHI WITH SPINACH AND FETA
Leftovers of this creamy gnocchi can be just as tempting the next day if stored correctly. Proper storage techniques will help maintain the sauce’s luxurious texture and preserve the bright flavors of spinach, tomatoes, and feta. Here are some tips to keep your dish tasting just as good as when it was freshly made.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Allow the gnocchi to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring minimal air exposure to preserve moisture and prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Separate components when possible: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing cooked gnocchi and sauce in two different containers. This prevents the dumplings from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overly soft in the refrigerator.
- Freeze for longer storage: Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the texture may soften slightly, the flavor remains delightful.
- Reheat gently over low heat: Warm on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch—just cover lightly to prevent splatters and reheat in short intervals to avoid overheating.
CONCLUSION
This creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta has everything you need for a crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly meal: minimal prep, quick cook time, and a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the moment you start sizzling onions and garlic to the final garnish of fresh basil, the process is designed to be approachable for beginner cooks while still feeling like a culinary adventure. The contrast between pillowy gnocchi, crunchy bread for scooping, vibrant greens, and tangy cheese creates a multi-dimensional dining experience that’s hard to forget. Whether you serve it for a casual lunch with friends or tuck into it as a solo dinner treat, you’ll find that this dish feels both indulgent and nourishing in every bite.
Feel free to print and save this recipe for future use—stash it in your recipe binder or bookmark it on your device so you can revisit this flavorful classic whenever inspiration (or hunger) strikes. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to tackle any troubleshooting questions or variations you might be curious about. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out or share any tweaks you made. I love hearing your stories, answering questions, and helping you make this creamy gnocchi dish exactly to your taste. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy, delicious meals ahead!
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Description
This creamy gnocchi recipe blends tender potato dumplings with vibrant spinach and rich feta, producing a mouthwatering symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
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Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them with the creamy sauce.
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Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
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Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors!
Note
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and vegan feta cheese.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cream longer before adding the feta.
