Go Back
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish In this dish, the gnocchi shines as the star. You can use store-bought or make your own. I often choose store-bought for ease. The fresh spinach adds a bright, healthy touch. I love how it wilts down and mixes with the creamy sauce. Feta cheese gives the dish a tangy kick. I crumble it right before adding to the sauce. Olive oil is my go-to for sautéing. It brings out the garlic's flavor without overpowering it. Speaking of garlic, I use three cloves for a nice, rich taste. Heavy cream makes this dish ultra creamy. It creates a velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly. I also add Parmesan cheese for depth. Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle note. Lastly, fresh basil brightens the dish. It gives a pop of color and flavor. These ingredients come together to create a delightful meal that is both comforting and elegant. Each bite is a balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that will impress anyone at your table. {{ingredient_image_2}} To boil gnocchi properly, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a roaring boil. Carefully add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the surface. Drain them well and set aside. Timing is key for perfect texture. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. Stick to the 2-3 minutes for the best results. For the creamy sauce, begin by sautéing garlic for flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Gently sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not browned. If it browns, it will taste bitter. Next, add 5 cups of chopped spinach. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes. This will help the spinach wilt down nicely. Once the spinach is wilted, it's time to mix in the cheeses. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly until everything combines. Add 4 ounces of crumbled feta and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt into the cream. This creates a wonderfully creamy texture. Now, season the sauce with ½ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, gently incorporate the cooked gnocchi into the sauce. Toss them well to coat. Let the gnocchi cook for 2-3 minutes in the sauce. This helps them absorb all that rich flavor. To make your gnocchi creamy, choose good-quality cheese. Feta adds a tangy taste, while Parmesan gives richness. Both melt well, creating a smooth sauce. Don't forget seasoning! A pinch of salt and black pepper can elevate flavors. Nutmeg adds warmth, making the dish feel cozy. Balance is key, so taste as you go. Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat. This brings out its flavor without burning it. Then, add spinach gradually. Stir it until it wilts down. Fresh spinach works best, but frozen can work too. If using frozen, thaw it first and squeeze out extra water. Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and a fresh taste. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad. These sides make for a complete meal. A vibrant plate gets attention and makes eating more fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the sauce. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable broth. This will still give you a creamy texture while reducing calories. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the overall taste of the dish. Perfect Gnocchi Cooking: Don’t overcook the gnocchi! Once they float to the surface, they are done. Overcooking can make them mushy and less enjoyable. {{image_4}} You can switch up your cheese for this dish. Try mozzarella or goat cheese. Both add unique flavors. If you want a lighter dish, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. This keeps it creamy while cutting calories. Adding proteins can make this dish heartier. For meat lovers, chicken or shrimp works well. Just cook them first, then mix them into the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture. Herbs and spices can elevate your dish. Fresh basil or oregano brings freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture. They blend well with the creamy sauce and spinach. To store your Ultra Creamy Spinach Feta Gnocchi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing this dish is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When it's time to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on low heat, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry. For meal prep, consider making a big batch. You can have quick meals ready for busy nights. Just heat and enjoy! Gnocchi is ready when it floats. This means the dough is cooked through. The cooking time is usually 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Be sure to check it closely. If you wait too long, gnocchi can become mushy. Once they float, scoop them out and drain them well. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the gnocchi and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat them together in a skillet. Add a splash of cream if the sauce is too thick. This keeps the gnocchi creamy and delicious. You can use gluten-free gnocchi for this recipe. Look for brands made from rice or potato flour. They work well in this dish. If you can't find gluten-free gnocchi, you can try making your own. Use gluten-free flour blends to create a tasty alternative. This blog post showed how to create a tasty gnocchi dish. We explored main ingredients like gnocchi, spinach, and feta. The steps included cooking and making a creamy sauce. You learned tips for texture and flavor and how to present your meal. Remember, you can switch ingredients or add proteins to suit your taste. Store leftovers the right way for future meals. Enjoy making this dish and impressing those around you with your skills!

Ultra Creamy Spinach Feta Gnocchi

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a roaring boil. Carefully add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, or until they float to the surface, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant but not browned, to prevent bitterness.
  • Gradually add the chopped spinach to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt down significantly.
  • Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to ensure it mixes well with the spinach. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, thickening slightly as it heats.
  • Stir in the crumbled feta and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses fully melt and incorporate into the cream sauce, resulting in a wonderfully creamy texture.
  • Add the freshly grated nutmeg to the sauce, and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
  • Carefully introduce the cooked gnocchi into the creamy spinach sauce. Gently toss them in the sauce to ensure they are fully coated and infused with the rich flavors.
  • Let the gnocchi cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  • Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra splash of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, ensure the gnocchi is egg-free.
Keyword creamy, feta, gnocchi, pasta, spinach