🥔🌿🧀✨ Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta – A 20-Minute Comfort Dish That Feels Gourmet!

🥔🌿🧀✨ Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta – A 20-Minute Comfort Dish That Feels Gourmet!

Craving something cozy, creamy, and absolutely satisfying — but don’t have all night to cook? Meet your new weeknight favorite: Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta! 💛 This dish is rich, velvety, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Soft, pillowy gnocchi is simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, tossed with vibrant spinach, and topped with tangy feta cheese. It’s an elegant, comforting meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes — and it tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or a cozy solo dinner, this creamy gnocchi recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and ease in every bite. 🥔🌿✨

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings: 3 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For 3–4 Servings:

1 lb 450g potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) 🥔
1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
3 garlic cloves minced 🧄
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
3 cups fresh baby spinach 🌿
½ cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra richness
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
Zest of ½ lemon + 1 tsp lemon juice 🍋

Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Colander (if boiling gnocchi separately)

Method

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes, or until they float).
Drain and set aside.
(For one-pan simplicity, you can also pan-fry the gnocchi instead of boiling!)

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine.
Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Spinach & Cheese

Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Add feta cheese and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Combine with Gnocchi

Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet.
Toss everything gently until well coated in the sauce.
Add lemon zest and juice for a bright, fresh finish. 🍋

Serve & Enjoy

Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with extra feta or a sprinkle of chili flakes for flair. 🌿✨

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Not recommended (the creamy sauce can separate).

Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

🥄 Variations

Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon. 🍗🦐🥓

Make It Vegan: Use coconut cream and vegan feta — it’s surprisingly delicious! 🌱

Add Veggies: Include mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor. 🍄🌶️

Feta Alternatives: Swap with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder taste. 🧀

Lemon-Herb Upgrade: Stir in fresh basil or dill for a fresh, herby twist. 🌿

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just cook it according to package directions before adding to the sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes — whole milk works, but your sauce will be a bit lighter in texture.

Can I skip the feta?
You can, but feta gives it that amazing tangy balance! Try goat cheese or parmesan instead.

Can I make this ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I pan-fry the gnocchi instead of boiling?
Yes — sauté in olive oil for 5 minutes until golden and crispy before tossing in the sauce!

Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Just cook it a bit longer until tender.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi — the sauce is naturally gluten-free. 🌾

Can I make it spicy?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. 🔥

What can I serve it with?
A crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies pair beautifully. 🥖🥗

Can I use crumbled feta from a block or pre-packaged?
Either works, but block feta tends to melt creamier and taste fresher.

🏁 Conclusion

This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is the definition of comfort food done right — quick, cozy, and irresistibly creamy. 🥔🌿🧀✨

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish full of flavor and texture — tender gnocchi, tangy feta, and vibrant spinach all wrapped in a silky garlic sauce. It’s the kind of easy meal that feels fancy but fits perfectly into your busy weeknight routine.

One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is pure comfort in a skillet. 💛