Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Transform your dinner routine with this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe. Bursting with flavor, this delightful dish combines tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese in a luxurious creamy sauce that's both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings together the delightful flavors of sautéed spinach and creamy feta, making it a standout on any dining table.
A Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe is an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want to prepare something quick yet satisfying. Within just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table that your whole family will love. The combination of tender gnocchi and fresh ingredients creates a delightful experience that transforms a simple dinner into something special.
Not only is it easy to make, but it also provides a hearty serving of vegetables with the fresh spinach, making it a nutritious option. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your family's tastes or dietary needs, ensuring that everyone leaves the table happy.
Elevate Your Taste Buds
The addition of feta cheese adds a unique tanginess that elevates the flavor profile of the dish. Its creamy texture marries beautifully with the heavy cream, creating a luscious sauce that clings to the gnocchi and spinach. The occasion is further enhanced with the option of red pepper flakes, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your liking.
Every bite is an explosion of flavor, and the interplay between rich and tangy will have your taste buds dancing. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that invites you to savor each mouthful.
Cooking Tips for Success
To ensure your gnocchi is perfectly cooked, watch for them to float in the boiling water; this indicates they are done. It’s important not to overcrowd the pot, as that can affect cooking time. Also, fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe; it wilts down significantly and brings freshness that dried alternatives cannot match.
For a creamier consistency, you can add more heavy cream or even a splash of pasta cooking water when combining the ingredients. This helps blend the sauce and ensures everything is well coated. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables or add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi (about 16 oz)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you begin.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious dish:
Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes until they float. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the crumbled feta cheese, and stir until melted and combined with the cream. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutritional Benefits of Spinach
Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Incorporating spinach into your meals not only adds flavor but also enhances the nutritional value of your dish. It's known for its potential health benefits, such as improving ocular health and providing antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
Including fresh vegetables like spinach in your recipes can boost your overall wellbeing while keeping your meals colorful and vibrant. This recipe uses spinach in a delicious way, ensuring you enjoy both its taste and health advantages.
Feta Cheese: A Flavorful Addition
Feta cheese is not only delicious but also lower in fat compared to many other cheeses, making it a great option for those watching their diet. Its distinctive tanginess brings a Mediterranean flair to dishes, allowing it to pair excellently with both savory and sweet ingredients.
Moreover, feta contains beneficial nutrients such as calcium and protein, contributing to healthier bone density and muscle repair. Adding feta to your recipes can therefore not only enrich the flavor but also promote better health.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly already.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Transform your dinner routine with this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe. Bursting with flavor, this delightful dish combines tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese in a luxurious creamy sauce that's both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Created by: Amber Walsh
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi (about 16 oz)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
How-To Steps
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes until they float. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the crumbled feta cheese, and stir until melted and combined with the cream. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g