Get Ready for a Cozy Dinner: Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Hey there! Are you in the mood for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner? I’ve got just the thing for you—Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta! This dish is not only delicious, but it comes together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, it’s so creamy, cheesy, and and it will have your taste buds dancing! Let’s dive right in.
Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
Now, you might be wondering what makes this dish a great choice for dinner. First off, gnocchi is a fantastic source of carbohydrates, giving you those energy-boosting carbs you need after a long day. Adding fresh spinach not only brightens up the dish but also packs a powerful nutritional punch! Spinach is loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making it a great way to sneak some greens into your meal. Oh, and let’s not forget the feta! This tangy cheese adds protein and calcium to the mix. So you can feel good about enjoying this tasty dinner!
Fun and Adaptable Variations
- Go Dairy-Free: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, just swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!
- Mix Up the Greens: Don’t have spinach? No worries! You could use kale or even arugula for a peppery kick. Just adjust the cooking time a bit based on what you choose.
- Add Some Protein: If you want to add some protein, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp! Just sauté them before adding the garlic for extra flavor.
Your Recipe for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
- 1 package of gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Let it heat up for about 1 minute.
- Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—just don’t let it brown!
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the pan and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 4-5 minutes until they’re slightly golden and dancing on the surface.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in your fresh (or frozen) spinach and let it cook until the spinach has wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes for the fresh stuff.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and mix everything together. Crumble in half the feta and add half of the red pepper flakes. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper, stirring everything to make sure it’s evenly mixed.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy gnocchi into your bowls. Top with more feta, a sprinkle of the remaining red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves if you love that flavor!
- Enjoy: Serve it hot and dig in! This dish is so comforting, you’ll want to savor every bite.
Practical Tips for Success
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
- For Best Results: The gnocchi shouldn’t be overcooked to keep that lovely texture. If they start to fall apart, they’re overdone!
- Presentation: For an Instagram-worthy touch, serve on a rustic platter or bowl and sprinkle some additional feta and fresh basil right before serving.
Equipment Needed
Before you start, make sure you’ve got the right tools ready!
- A large skillet or frying pan—this is where the magic happens!
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for mincing the garlic.
- A measuring cup for the cream and other quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen gnocchi? Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
- Is there a vegan option? Yes! Use a vegan cream alternative and omit the feta or use a non-dairy cheese.
- What if I don’t like feta? You can substitute crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella instead, or even leave it out for a lighter version.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook them right before eating!
- How can I make it spicier? Just bump up the red pepper flakes or even add some chili oil for additional heat!
So, are you ready to give this creamy gnocchi a try? I couldn’t be more excited for you to enjoy this delicious dish! If you whip it up, I’d love to see how it turns out! Snap a picture and share it with me on Pinterest!
