If you’ve ever had one of those days where the clock somehow skips from 3 p.m. to dinner time without warning, Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta might just be your new weeknight hero. It’s quick, it’s comforting, and it feels a little fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen. Think pillowy-soft gnocchi with a golden crisp on the outside, tangled with garlicky spinach, and dotted with salty feta. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
As someone who juggles real life (translation: endless to-do lists and an occasionally picky family), I live for recipes like this—simple steps, everyday ingredients, and a big payoff at the table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
- Fast and fabulous: Dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal cleanup: One pot to boil, one skillet to sizzle. Done.
- Balanced flavor: The buttery crisp of gnocchi, earthy spinach, and creamy feta give you all the right textures in one bite.
- Family-friendly: Even the spinach skeptics might surprise you here (feta has magical powers).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How To Make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
1. Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions. You’ll know they’re ready when they float—like little pasta balloons—about 2–3 minutes. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain.
2. Crisp Them Up
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the gnocchi and let them sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy on one side. Stir and repeat so they’re golden all around.
3. Add Flavor
Lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. (Pro tip: garlic goes from perfect to burnt faster than a toddler loses interest in toys, so keep an eye on it.)
4. Wilt the Spinach
Toss in the spinach and stir gently until it wilts down, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
5. Finish With Feta
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta over the skillet. Give everything a gentle stir and serve immediately while the gnocchi is still crisp and the feta just starts to melt into the mix.
Aneta’s Kitchen Tip
If your gnocchi feels a bit shy about crisping, don’t overcrowd the pan. Let them breathe! A little space helps them develop that irresistible golden crust instead of steaming.
And if you’re making this for guests—add a glass of chilled white wine on the side. It instantly transforms your Tuesday night dinner into a mini Mediterranean vacation.
My Little Story Behind This Dish
This recipe came to life on a night when I was too tired to cook a full “proper” meal. I had a bag of gnocchi in the pantry, spinach that was about to wave goodbye from the fridge, and feta that needed love. Fifteen minutes later, I had my family hovering over the stove asking, “Is that ready yet?” It’s been a staple ever since.

FAQs About Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
Can I substitute the feta?
Yes! Goat cheese or even grated Parmesan work well if feta isn’t your thing.
Can I use frozen spinach?
You can, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water first. Otherwise, your gnocchi might go from crispy to soggy.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results—microwaving will soften the crisp, but still tastes great.
Do I have to boil the gnocchi first?
Most packaged gnocchi benefit from a quick boil before crisping. However, some shelf-stable or skillet-ready brands can go straight into the pan. Check your package instructions.
Bring Crispy Comfort To Your Table
Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is everything you need for a stress-free, satisfying dinner—comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully easy. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself after a long day, this dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
So grab that bag of gnocchi from your pantry and let this recipe earn its spot on your weeknight rotation. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta, you’ll want to explore these other delicious, comforting dishes that bring just as much flavor to the table:
- Cozy up with a bowl of creamy and savory Chicken Pot Pie Soup—the ultimate comfort food classic.
- For a seasonal favorite, try the hearty Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet packed with fall veggies and warm spices.
- Looking for a quick wrap idea? These Sweet Chili Chicken Wraps are perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
- If spinach is your love language, you can’t miss the cheesy goodness of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole.
These recipes pair beautifully with your weeknight dinner lineup and give you plenty of fresh inspiration for your next meal.
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Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner made in under 30 minutes. Golden gnocchi, garlicky spinach, and creamy feta come together in the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
1 pound gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float, about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes until all sides are crisp.
Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add spinach to the pan and stir until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan when crisping the gnocchi—work in batches if needed for the best golden crust.
Swap feta with goat cheese or Parmesan for a different twist.
Frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess liquid first.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg