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For this creamy dish, you need: - 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste You can spice it up with: - Red pepper flakes (for heat) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make this dish, gather: - A large pot for boiling water - A slotted spoon for draining gnocchi - A large skillet for sautéing - A wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy This list covers everything you'll need to whip up this delightful meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure to add a good pinch of salt. Next, add the potato gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook them according to the package instructions, about 2-3 minutes. You know they are done when they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and let them drain well. Set them aside for later. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Burning garlic can taste bitter. After that, toss in the chopped spinach. Stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt down and become tender. Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to mix it with the garlic and spinach. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few moments. This will create a creamy base for your sauce. Next, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano. Stir continuously until the feta starts to melt. This will thicken the sauce and make it rich. Taste the sauce and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Then, gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece is coated. Allow it to cook for an extra 1-2 minutes to heat everything through. Plate your creamy gnocchi immediately. For a pop of color, garnish with finely chopped parsley. If you want to impress, serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and extra feta on top. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make a great cream sauce, start with fresh ingredients. Use heavy cream for richness. When you add the cream, keep the heat low. This way, it won’t boil too hard. Stir the mix often to keep it smooth. Adding feta cheese while the sauce is warm helps it melt better. Don't forget to taste as you cook. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Cooking gnocchi is quick and easy. Use a large pot with boiling, salted water. Add the gnocchi gently, so they don’t stick. Watch for them to float; this means they’re done. If you cook them too long, they can become mushy. Once they float, use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain them well before adding them to the sauce. Seasonings can take your dish to the next level. I love adding dried oregano for a warm taste. Fresh ground pepper adds a nice kick. If you enjoy some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley on top gives a nice pop of color and flavor. Experiment with your favorite herbs to make it your own. Pro Tips Fresh Spinach is Key: Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a vibrant color and better texture in your dish. Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they should float to the top when ready, indicating they are perfectly cooked. Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for a unique flavor twist. Enhance with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or dill can elevate the flavor profile of your creamy sauce—add them just before serving for maximum freshness. {{image_4}} You can add protein to this dish. Chicken and shrimp work well. Cook the chicken first until golden. Slice it thin and mix it in with the gnocchi. For shrimp, sauté them in the same skillet after the garlic. Cook them until pink and toss with the sauce. This adds a hearty touch to your creamy spinach feta gnocchi. If you want to keep it vegetarian, consider mushrooms or peas. Sauté chopped mushrooms after the garlic. They add a nice meaty texture. You can also add peas for a pop of sweetness. Toss in a cup of fresh or frozen peas right before adding the cream. Both options create a delicious twist on the classic dish. For a dairy-free version, swap out the heavy cream and feta. Use a plant-based cream like coconut or cashew. Nutritional yeast can replace feta for a cheesy flavor. Blend soaked cashews with a bit of lemon juice for creaminess. This keeps the dish rich without dairy. Enjoy a creamy spinach feta gnocchi that fits your diet! To store leftovers, let the creamy spinach feta gnocchi cool down first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. Place the gnocchi in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir often until it’s heated through. This method keeps the sauce creamy and prevents burning. If you want to freeze the gnocchi, it’s best to do it before adding the cream sauce. Cook the gnocchi and let it cool. Place it in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then cook it with the sauce. Gnocchi has a soft and fluffy texture. They taste mild and slightly sweet. The flavor comes from the potato used in them. When combined with the creamy sauce, they absorb all the flavors well. This makes them a perfect base for rich sauces. Yes, you can. Cook the gnocchi and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and add the gnocchi. This way, you keep everything fresh and tasty. Gnocchi cooks quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to check them. If they rise, they are ready to drain and mix with your sauce. This dish pairs well with a simple salad. A light green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve crusty bread on the side. This adds texture and helps scoop up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, consider grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. In this article, we explored how to create creamy spinach feta gnocchi. We covered the key ingredients, tools, and a detailed cooking guide. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and offered ideas for variations and storage. With practice, you can make this dish shine. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey, and savor every bite!

Creamy Spinach Feta Gnocchi Delight

A rich and creamy dish featuring potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • optional Red pepper flakes
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a generous pinch of salt. Carefully add the potato gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top. Using a slotted spoon, remove the gnocchi from the pot and drain well. Set aside.
  • Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn as it can turn bitter.
  • Add Spinach: Toss the chopped spinach into the skillet with the garlic, stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down and is tender.
  • Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to incorporate it with the sautéed spinach and garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few moments.
  • Incorporate Feta: Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano into the creamy sauce. Stir continuously until the feta starts to melt and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Taste and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of spiciness.
  • Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy spinach sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
  • Serve: Plate the creamy gnocchi immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in shallow bowls with a light drizzle of olive oil over the top, and an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta.
Keyword creamy, feta, gnocchi, pasta, spinach