Can dinner be crispy, creamy, comforting—and ready in 20 minutes? Absolutely. This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach & Feta is the midweek hero you didn’t know you needed. With golden-brown gnocchi, garlicky wilted spinach, and salty crumbled feta, it’s a skillet meal that feels indulgent but is secretly healthy-ish. Best of all, it uses store-bought gnocchi, so you skip the boiling pot and go straight to pan-fried perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Crisp the Gnocchi
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
- Add remaining oil to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Return crispy gnocchi to the skillet and toss to combine with spinach and garlic.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta and optional Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
- Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
- Use goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for more depth.
- Top with a fried egg for a protein-packed meal.
Cooking Note
- No need to boil gnocchi—straight to skillet yields crispy exteriors and pillowy centers.
- Use nonstick or cast iron for best browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even crisping.
Serving Suggestions
This dish stands tall on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. For a Mediterranean flair, serve it alongside marinated olives and roasted red peppers. Hosting guests? Plate individually and garnish with extra feta, lemon zest, or a drizzle of chili oil.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the gnocchi rubbery. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of gnocchi and spinach.
Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 370
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 580mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Choose whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi for added fiber and fewer carbs. Use low-fat feta or reduce the amount to cut calories. Sauté with cooking spray instead of oil for a lighter option. Add more spinach or zucchini noodles to bulk it up with greens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the gnocchi first: This prevents crisping. Cook straight from the package.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Leads to steaming instead of browning.
- Not drying spinach: Excess moisture can make the dish soggy.
- Using too much feta: Can overpower the other delicate flavors.
Conclusion
Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach & Feta is the quick and crave-worthy dinner that always hits the spot. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with texture, it’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or solo comfort meals. Try it once and you’ll be hooked!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this with frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before crisping to avoid sogginess.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free feta or nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Q3: What’s the best pan to use?
A: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet gives the best crispy result.
Q4: How can I add more protein?
A: Add chickpeas, rotisserie chicken, or top with a poached egg.
Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach & Feta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, pan-fried gnocchi meets garlicky spinach and tangy feta in this ultra-satisfying 20-minute weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 lb store-bought gnocchi
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 oz fresh spinach
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add gnocchi in a single layer. Cook 7–9 minutes until crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add spinach and red pepper flakes. Cook until wilted, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Return crispy gnocchi to the skillet and toss to combine.
6. Top with crumbled feta and optional Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
No need to boil the gnocchi—pan-frying delivers the perfect crispy texture.
Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for even browning.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg