Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Recipe
A delicious and easy recipe for crispy pan-fried gnocchi tossed with fresh spinach and creamy feta cheese, seasoned with garlic and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. This comforting dish combines the soft texture of gnocchi with a crispy exterior and the vibrant flavors of spinach and feta for a perfect quick meal.
- Author: Cleo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Gnocchi
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cook 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, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
- Start Frying Gnocchi: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on one side.
- Crisp All Sides: Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides for an even texture.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.
- Finish with Feta: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately on plates.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
- For a vegan option, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional but adds a nice spicy kick to balance the richness of feta.
- Use high-quality gnocchi from a fresh or refrigerated section for best results, but frozen gnocchi works as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: crispy gnocchi, spinach and feta, easy Italian recipe, pan-fried gnocchi, vegetarian gnocchi dish