Creamy Gnocchi Delight with Spinach & Feta

$- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish The main ingredients in this dish create a rich and tasty meal. Gnocchi gives a soft base. Feta adds a tangy flavor. Spinach packs in nutrients and color. Garlic brings warmth, while red pepper adds a small kick. - Large pot - Skillet - Slotted spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board These tools help make cooking simple. A large pot boils the gnocchi, while a skillet cooks the sauce. A slotted spoon helps drain the gnocchi easily. Measuring cups ensure you use the right amounts of each ingredient. A knife and cutting board make prep work quick and safe. Gathering these ingredients and tools will set you up for success in making creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. 2. Add 1 pound of potato gnocchi to the pot. 3. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. 4. Use a slotted spoon to drain the gnocchi and set them aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells nice. 3. Toss in 4 cups of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. 4. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix it with the spinach and garlic. 5. Crumble in 1 cup of feta cheese and add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix until the cheese melts into the cream. 1. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. 2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. 3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm everything through. To get that rich, creamy texture, you need to add the heavy cream slowly. Start with low heat. Pour in the cream little by little. This helps it blend well with the garlic and spinach. Stir constantly to combine. This keeps it from separating and ensures a smooth finish. Now, let’s talk about feta. For the best melt, crumble it into small pieces. Add it when the heat is low. This helps the cheese soften without turning into a grainy mess. Stir gently until the feta mixes well with the cream. This will create a creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly. Plating is key to making your dish shine. Serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls. This lets the sauce show off. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for flavor. Sprinkle some extra feta for an added touch. A handful of fresh parsley will bring color and freshness. Another great idea is to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top. This gives a nice pop of heat. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and make the creamy sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can assemble it later. Just reheat your sauce on low heat and add the gnocchi. When reheating, avoid high heat. This keeps the texture smooth. Stir gently as it warms up. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of cream or water. This helps it become creamy again without losing its charm. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will provide a vibrant flavor and texture compared to frozen. Make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly before cooking. Cook Gnocchi Just Right: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender and float to the top of the water when done. Timing is key! Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. You can also substitute with black pepper for a milder taste. Garnish for Appeal: Don’t skip the garnish! Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's overall flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients in creamy gnocchi to suit your taste. - Alternative cheeses: If you want a different cheese taste, try goat cheese or ricotta. Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor. Ricotta adds a light, creamy touch. - Different leafy greens: Instead of spinach, you can use kale or arugula. Kale adds a nice bite, while arugula brings a peppery kick to the dish. Adding new flavors can make this dish even better. - Adding protein: You can add chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Cook the chicken until it’s golden, or sauté shrimp until they turn pink. They both pair well with the creamy sauce. - Incorporating more spices: Adding Italian herbs or a bit of lemon zest can lift the flavors. Italian herbs add warmth, while lemon zest gives a fresh brightness that balances the creaminess. To keep your creamy gnocchi fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. This helps keep moisture in check. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the gnocchi overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently in a skillet. Add a splash of cream to restore the sauce's creaminess. Stir often to keep it smooth. Enjoy your delicious meal! It takes 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you need about 30 minutes. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Try penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Choose a shape that holds sauce well. Cook according to package instructions. The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses potato gnocchi, which may contain gluten. You can find gluten-free gnocchi made from rice or corn. Always check the label before buying. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten. You learned how to make creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta. We covered the key ingredients, kitchen tools, and steps to cook this dish. Remember to perfect the creamy texture, use fresh garnishes, and try variations to suit your taste. Store or freeze leftovers to enjoy later. This dish is easy, tasty, and fun to make! Enjoy your cooking and share your tasty results!$

Creamy Gnocchi Delight with Spinach & Feta

A delicious creamy dish featuring gnocchi, fresh spinach, and feta cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the spinach and garlic mixture.
Crumble the feta cheese into the skillet and add the red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese begins to melt and incorporate into the cream.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the creamy spinach and feta sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, warming everything through.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra olive oil and feta for garnish.

Keyword creamy, feta, gnocchi, spinach, vegetarian