Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach

This delightful dish features crispy pan-fried gnocchi paired with vibrant spinach and tangy feta cheese creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. It is quick to prepare and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

I first made this on a whim when a friend brought fresh gnocchi over and it quickly became a family favorite. The crispiness contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese and greens making it an irresistible combination.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 pound gnocchi: tender potato dumplings that crisp up beautifully when pan-fried good quality store-bought works fine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: adds richness and helps achieve that crispy crust use extra virgin for best flavor
• 4 cups fresh spinach: About 120 grams provides freshness and nutrients pick bright green leaves without wilting
• 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled: About 115 grams offers tangy creaminess choose a block of feta for better texture
• 2 cloves garlic minced: infuses the dish with aromatic depth use fresh not pre-minced
• Salt to taste: essential seasoning to enhance all flavors use a fine sea salt if possible
• Black pepper to taste: adds mild heat freshly ground is preferable
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: optional for a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat

How to Make It

Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare Gnocchi:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.

Crisp the Gnocchi:

In a large frying pan heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on one side.

Turn and Crisp All Sides:

Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes ensuring they get crispy on all sides.

Add Garlic and Spinach:

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant being careful not to burn it. Add the fresh spinach to the pan stirring gently until it wilts which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Season and Combine:

Season the mixture with salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.

Finish with Feta:

Stir in the crumbled feta cheese allowing it to combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately on plates.

I adore the fresh spinach in this recipe because it balances the richness of the cheese and gnocchi. One memorable family dinner was when my kids tried it and asked to add it to our weekly rotation. It feels like comfort food but without heaviness.

Flavor Boosters

Serve this dish with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a light contrast. A side of crusty bread will soak up any leftover cheese and oils making every bite delightful. For a heartier meal add grilled chicken or even sautéed shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Use fresh spinach in spring and summer when it is tender and bright. In fall and winter swap with kale or chard which are hardier greens that hold up well in cooking. You can add cherry tomatoes in warmer months for extra color and sweetness or roasted squash in colder months.

Creative Twists

Gnocchi are traditional Italian potato dumplings that have been enjoyed for centuries. This dish puts a modern spin on the classic by pan-frying the gnocchi to achieve a delicious crispy outside while keeping the inside soft. Pairing it with Greek-style feta blends Italian and Mediterranean influences beautifully.

This crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight any dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I achieve crispy gnocchi?

Boil gnocchi until they float, then pan-fry them in hot olive oil without stirring for a few minutes per side to get a golden crust.

→ Can I use frozen gnocchi for this dish?

Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used; just cook according to package instructions before frying for crispiness.

→ What can I substitute for spinach?

Leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives to spinach in this preparation.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Add minced garlic after the gnocchi are browned and keep the heat medium to avoid burning while sautéing briefly.

→ Is it possible to add heat to this dish?

Yes, sprinkle red pepper flakes while seasoning to introduce a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.