Description
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe is a quick, cozy, and comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. It features pan-fried or oven-roasted gnocchi combined with wilted spinach, garlic, and creamy feta, making it perfect for busy weeknights, solo lunches, or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16-ounce/450g) package shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Skillet Method: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi (no boiling needed) and sauté for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Toss in spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in feta. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional). Serve warm.
- Sheetpan Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss gnocchi with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes directly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp. In the last 5 minutes, add spinach directly to the pan and toss to wilt. Top with crumbled feta and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not boil gnocchi before cooking; it crisps better when cooked dry.
- For a vegan option, omit feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or sheet tray to allow proper crisping.
- Add spinach at the very end of cooking to prevent sogginess.
- This dish is suitable for meal prep; store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
- Method: Pan-Fried, Oven-Roasted
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl