Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or meals that don’t satisfy your craving for easy comfort food? Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is the quick, cozy, weeknight recipe you need: pillowy gnocchi, wilted spinach, and briny feta all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce.

At dishfoody.com, it’s a joy to share flavorful, approachable meals that turn an ordinary night into something memorable. This article covers why this gnocchi dish works, the best “protein cuts” to pair, ingredient details, stepwise instructions, expert tips, flavor variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs.

Why This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find gnocchi and fresh vegetables for fast prep and big comfort
• Prep in 10–15 minutes and ready to eat in under 30 for ultimate weeknight convenience
• Perfect for quick dinners or meatless feasts with loads of flavor and texture

Choosing the Right Meat for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Best Cuts for This Recipe

If you want to serve a protein alongside, try roast chicken thighs for juicy, rich flavor or a simple grilled chicken breast for leaner bite.

Buying Tips

Look for firm, fresh spinach and authentic Greek feta for best results. Choose shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi based on your craving for texture.

Substitutions

Swap chicken for roasted salmon, meatless sausage, or skip meat entirely for a hearty vegetarian main.

Ingredients & Prep for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Meat Prep Essentials

• For serving: 2 chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts, simply seasoned and roasted/grilled

Gnocchi and Veggies

• 1 lb (500g) potato gnocchi
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz chopped)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Steps

Boil gnocchi until they float; drain. Chop spinach and mince garlic. Have feta crumbled and cream ready.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Pre-Cooking Prep

Boil gnocchi according to package. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper if using.

Cooking Method

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in cream; simmer gently. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in spinach; cook until just wilted.
4. Toss in cooked gnocchi; season with salt and pepper.
5. Off heat, fold in crumbled feta until creamy and slightly melted.
6. Top with roast chicken if desired; serve hot.

Doneness Check

Gnocchi should be pillowy; sauce thick enough to cling. Spinach bright, not mushy.

Resting

Let stand 2–3 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

• Don’t overcook gnocchi; add directly to sauce for best texture
• Use real Greek feta its briny pop makes all the difference
• Stir in a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish

Flavor Variations for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Spicy Twist

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper, or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Keto/Paleo

Swap gnocchi for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets; use coconut cream.

Global Flavors

• Mediterranean: Stir in chopped dill, parsley, and lemon zest.
• Italian: Use basil and creamy ricotta instead of feta.
• French: Add herbs de Provence and a splash of cream.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Top with extra feta, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil. Side of grilled asparagus or green salad pairs beautifully. Enjoy with sparkling water or herbal tea.

FAQs for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely, just thaw and squeeze dry before adding.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy alternatives for cream, feta, and Parmesan coconut cream and vegan cheese work well.

Is this safe for kids and pregnant women?
Yes, as long as dairy is pasteurized.

Conclusion

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is the ultimate comfort dish creamy, savory, and so quick you’ll want to add it to your dinner rotation! For more cozy recipes, visit dishfoody.com and check out our Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake next.

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Print Recipe

Tender gnocchi tossed in a creamy sauce with fresh spinach and crumbled feta for a quick, comforting meal.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sauté
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

• 1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• 3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
• 4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• 5. Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
• 6. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• Gnocchi can be made ahead and reheated gently in the sauce.
• Substitute half-and-half for cream to reduce richness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Gnocchi, creamy spinach feta gnocchi, quick dinner, Italian pasta, vegetarian