Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

$- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh parsley for garnish - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) To make creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta, you need key ingredients. First, get 1 pound of potato gnocchi. This gives the dish its soft and chewy base. Next, grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté your garlic. You’ll also need 3 cloves of minced garlic to add a nice flavor. For the greens, use 5 cups of fresh spinach. This adds a pop of color and nutrition. Don't forget fresh parsley for garnish. It makes your dish look pretty and fresh. Now, let’s talk about the creamy sauce. You need 1 cup of heavy cream for that rich texture. Add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a salty zing. A teaspoon of lemon zest will brighten the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the gnocchi. Once the water is boiling, add your 1 pound of potato gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions, which is usually 2-3 minutes. You'll know they are done when they float to the top. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good but not burn. After that, toss in 5 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Stir it around until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to mix it well. Let the cream simmer gently for about 2 minutes. After that, stir in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until the feta starts to melt and the sauce gets creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Finally, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently fold them into the creamy mixture. Make sure each gnocchi gets an even coating of the sauce. Heat everything through, and then it’s ready to serve! To achieve a rich and creamy sauce, I recommend using heavy cream. It provides the best texture. You can also try half-and-half for a lighter option. If your sauce is too thin, let it cook a bit longer. If it's too thick, add a splash of pasta water. To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A sprinkle of nutmeg can also add warmth. Always taste your sauce as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. If you want some heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a beautiful plate, use a shallow bowl. Place the gnocchi in the center and let the sauce flow around. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. For a gourmet touch, add a few extra crumbles of feta. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and a lovely color to the dish. Avoid using wilted or pre-packaged spinach for the best results. Perfect Gnocchi Cooking: Ensure that your gnocchi is cooked just until it floats to the top of the boiling water. Overcooking can make them mushy. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream. For a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile. Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the cheese, consider using ricotta. It adds a soft texture and creamy taste. Sun-dried tomatoes work well too. They bring a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or corn flour. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can replace feta for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can add proteins like chicken or shrimp to make it heartier. Cook them first, then mix them into the creamy sauce. If you like spice, try adjusting the heat with different peppers. Jalapeños or serranos can add a nice kick. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! To keep your creamy gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Let the dish cool before sealing it to avoid condensation. In the fridge, your gnocchi will last for up to three days. Consume it within this time for the best taste and quality. When you're ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing creamy gnocchi is a great way to save leftovers. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, warm it on low heat in a skillet. Add a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently to maintain that perfect texture. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just follow these tips for best results: - Don't thaw: Cook it straight from the freezer. - Boil time: Increase cooking time to about 3-4 minutes. - Check doneness: Gnocchi is done when it floats. Feta adds a unique flavor, but you can skip it. Here are some ideas: - Use ricotta: It offers a creamy texture. - Try goat cheese: It gives a tangy taste. - Skip cheese: Just increase the cream for richness. Pair your creamy gnocchi with these side dishes: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Simple salad: A fresh green salad balances the meal. - Roasted veggies: Adds color and nutrition to the plate. This blog post outlined how to create a creamy gnocchi dish. You learned about key ingredients like potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and feta cheese. The step-by-step instructions gave clear guidance on cooking and combining flavors. Tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancements were shared. Finally, variations and storage info help you adapt this recipe to your needs. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your twist!$

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

A delicious and creamy dish featuring potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the 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 top. This typically takes 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Incorporate Feta and Seasoning: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and lemon zest, mixing until the cheese starts to melt and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently folding it into the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
Serve: Plate the creamy gnocchi and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding more herbs or spices to taste.

Keyword creamy, feta, gnocchi, pasta, spinach