Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

$- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese I love using potato gnocchi for this recipe. It has a tender texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. The olive oil brings a nice richness. I always use fresh garlic because it adds a big flavor boost. Spinach is my go-to green, as it wilts nicely and adds color. Heavy cream creates that luscious sauce. Finally, crumbled feta cheese gives a tangy kick that really shines. - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish For some heat, I like to add red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can wake up the dish! Salt and pepper are key to make all the flavors pop. Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely touch and aroma. You can use it for garnish at the end. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to boil gnocchi properly Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Once the water bubbles, add the potato gnocchi. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook them according to the package instructions. Generally, it takes about 2-4 minutes. Signs the gnocchi is ready You'll know the gnocchi is ready when they float to the surface. This means they are cooked through. Remove them from the pot and drain well. Set them aside for later. Sautéing garlic In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You will smell the fragrant garlic, which adds depth to your sauce. Cooking spinach until wilted Next, add 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it around and cook for about 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt down nicely. This brings a vibrant green color and fresh taste to your dish. Creating the creamy sauce Now, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, which creates a rich texture. Adding cooked gnocchi and feta Add the drained gnocchi back into the skillet. Toss them gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. For an extra kick, you can season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Heat through for one more minute before serving. To get the right sauce, you may want to adjust its thickness. If it seems too thin, let it simmer longer. If it's too thick, add a bit of water or more cream to loosen it up. For flavor, try adding salt, pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the taste. To avoid mushy gnocchi, do not overcook it. Gnocchi should float to the top when it’s ready. Use a large pot to give them space to move. This prevents sticking and helps them cook evenly. Always salt the water; this gives flavor from the start. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and a fresh flavor. If you want something different, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some extra feta. These can enhance the taste and make your dish pop visually. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: To achieve the best texture, ensure you don’t overcook the gnocchi. They are ready once they float to the surface of the boiling water. Fresh Spinach Substitute: If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano along with the spinach. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients in this creamy gnocchi dish. For greens, try using kale or arugula instead of spinach. These options add a different taste and boost nutrients. For cheese, consider using parmesan or goat cheese. Each brings its unique flavor, making your meal special. Want to make this dish heartier? Adding protein is a great choice. You can include chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Cook the protein separately and mix it into the creamy sauce with the gnocchi. This way, you enhance the dish while keeping it balanced and delicious. Looking for a vegan option? Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk. This gives a rich texture while keeping it plant-based. For cheese, look for vegan cheese alternatives. These swaps allow everyone to enjoy creamy gnocchi without dairy. To keep your creamy gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent spills and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This keeps harmful bacteria at bay. The gnocchi will last up to three days in the fridge. To reheat gnocchi, I recommend using the stovetop. This method keeps the gnocchi soft and creamy. Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan. Add the gnocchi and a splash of cream. Stir gently for a few minutes. If you use the microwave, be careful. Heat in short bursts. Stir in between to keep them from becoming tough. If you want to freeze gnocchi, follow these steps: - Cook the gnocchi as you normally would. - Drain and let them cool completely. - Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. - Freeze them for about an hour. - Once frozen, transfer the gnocchi to a freezer bag. - Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen gnocchi can last for up to three months. To thaw frozen gnocchi, simply place them in the fridge overnight. You can also cook them directly from frozen. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time. This keeps their texture nice. Enjoy your creamy gnocchi, even after freezing! Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi is convenient and easy to prepare. Here are some tips for cooking frozen gnocchi: - Do not thaw: Cook it straight from the freezer. - Boil water: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. - Cook time: Add frozen gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes. - Check for floaters: When gnocchi floats, it’s ready to eat. Creamy gnocchi pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread: Crunchy and buttery, it’s a great match. - Side salad: A fresh salad can balance the creamy dish. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and flavor. - Grilled chicken: For extra protein, serve with grilled chicken. Gnocchi cooks quickly, so watch it closely. Here are signs of doneness: - Floating: When gnocchi floats to the top, it’s usually done. - Cooking time: Follow package instructions for exact timing, usually 2-4 minutes. - Texture check: It should feel soft but not mushy when you taste it. This blog post covered all the basics of making creamy gnocchi. We discussed key ingredients like potato gnocchi, garlic, and feta. I shared easy cooking steps and valuable tips to make sure your dish is perfect. You can also explore variations with different greens or cheeses. Don't forget about storage and reheating tips for leftovers. You now have everything to make this tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking and savor your delicious results!$

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

Ingredients

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

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 surface, about 2-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the creamy spinach sauce.
Incorporate Feta: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it heat through for an additional minute.
Serve: Remove from heat, and plate the creamy gnocchi mixture. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, feta, gnocchi, pasta, spinach