Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Name: Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

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.

Created by

Amber Walsh

Last updated on 2025-11-25T06:54:41.480Z

This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe epitomizes comfort food.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the standout features of Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is its harmonious blend of flavors. The soft, pillowy gnocchi serves as the perfect base, absorbing the rich and creamy sauce while providing a satisfying texture. The addition of fresh spinach not only enhances the dish with vibrant color but also offers a nutritional boost, making it both tasty and healthy. The crumbled feta cheese introduces a tangy kick that elevates the entire dish, creating a memorable culinary experience.

By layering these ingredients together, you create a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated. The creamy sauce envelops each morsel of gnocchi, while the spinach and feta add layers of flavor that make every bite delightful. This dish can easily impress guests yet remains simple enough for a quick weeknight meal.

A Quick and Easy Recipe

For those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, this Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe comes to the rescue. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious, homemade meal ready in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for families, especially when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the dinner table.

The quick cooking process allows you to enjoy a gourmet experience without the equivalent restaurant prices. The recipe is straightforward, and even novice cooks can whip it up with ease. It’s also versatile, allowing for substitutions and additions as desired, whether that's incorporating seasonal vegetables or varying the cheese used.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Not only is this dish delightful to the taste buds, but it also boasts a range of health benefits from its wholesome ingredients. Spinach, a key component, is known for its high levels of iron, vitamins A and C, and a plethora of antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to overall health, aiding in everything from immune function to skin health.

Feta cheese, while rich and flavorful, is also a lower-fat cheese option, giving you that creamy texture with fewer calories compared to other cheeses. Heavy cream, though indulgent, can be balanced with the lightness of spinach, making the dish both satisfying and nourishing. Enjoying this meal means not only treating your taste buds but also caring for your body.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi
3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful dish.

Cooking Instructions

Cook the Gnocchi

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, then add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, add the crumbled feta cheese, and stir until combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm, garnished with additional feta if desired.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider complementing Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta with a side salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta. You can also add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce or serve with roasted vegetables for an extra layer of nutrition.

For a special occasion, consider pairing this dish with a crisp white wine, which can enhance the overall meal experience. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. You might need to add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's creamy texture.

Freezing this dish is not generally recommended due to the cream content, which can change in texture upon thawing. However, if you wish to prepare it in advance, consider freezing the cooked gnocchi separately from the sauce, combining them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Variations on the Recipe

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients based on your preferences. For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. Just sauté them before adding the garlic in step two for a balanced dish that’s even more filling.

You can also explore different greens by swapping spinach for kale or Swiss chard, respectively. Each green brings unique flavors and nutritional benefits, making the dish versatile enough to suit various dietary needs and preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi; just follow the cooking instructions on the package.