Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
This recipe delivers perfectly crispy gnocchi tossed with wilted spinach, salty feta cheese, and a light, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's both satisfying and delicious.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press or knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi shelf-stable or refrigerated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ΒΌ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the garlic, measure out the broth and lemon juice, and crumble the feta.
- Pat the gnocchi dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Heat the olive oil and butter (if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook the gnocchi for 5-7 minutes, without stirring, until golden brown and crispy on one side.
- Flip the gnocchi and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until crispy on the other side and heated through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the gnocchi and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach wilts evenly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
For the best results, use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi and ensure they are dry before cooking. Patting them dry with paper towels helps them crisp up nicely. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the gnocchi; cook in batches if needed. This dish is best served immediately as the gnocchi will lose its crispiness over time. You can add protein like grilled chicken or sausage for a heartier meal. Feel free to substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or parmesan, and add other vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.