Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach

This crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta has become my go-to recipe when I need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of golden, crispy gnocchi with wilted spinach and tangy feta creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels sophisticated yet comes together in just 25 minutes.

I first made this dish during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet satisfying. What started as a pantry cleanout meal has since become one of my most requested dishes when friends come over for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound gnocchi The star of the show provides a pillowy interior with crispy exterior
• 2 tablespoons olive oil Use a good quality oil as it imparts flavor to the dish
• 4 cups fresh spinach Adds vibrant color nutrition and slight earthiness
• 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled Provides tangy creaminess that balances the dish
• 2 cloves garlic minced Adds aromatic depth essential for flavor building
• Salt Enhances all the flavors use kosher salt if available
• Black pepper Adds gentle heat and complexity
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional but adds a pleasant warmth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add gnocchi and cook just until they float to the surface about 2-3 minutes. They cook quickly so stay vigilant. Using a slotted spoon remove the gnocchi immediately when they rise to prevent overcooking. Allow them to drain well excess water will prevent crisping.

Crisp the Gnocchi

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add drained gnocchi in a single layer without crowding the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden brown crust. Patience is key here rushing the process will result in soggy gnocchi.

Brown All Sides

Gently stir or flip the gnocchi to brown the remaining sides cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Look for an even golden color and listen for that satisfying sizzle which indicates proper crisping. The texture transformation is remarkable from soft dumplings to crispy on the outside tender on the inside morsels.

Add Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan stirring constantly for about 1 minute. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown which would create bitterness. This brief cooking mellows the raw garlic flavor while releasing its essential oils.

Wilt the Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the pan in batches if necessary. Gently fold it into the hot gnocchi mixture allowing the residual heat to wilt the leaves about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will dramatically reduce in volume as it cooks creating room for all 4 cups.

Season the Dish

Season with salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasonings remembering that feta will add additional saltiness in the next step. The seasoning should be assertive enough to stand up to the mild gnocchi.

Finish with Feta

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. The residual warmth will slightly soften the cheese without fully melting it preserving its distinct texture and tangy flavor pockets throughout the dish. Serve immediately on warmed plates for the best experience.

Bookmark

My absolute favorite moment with this dish was when my picky nephew who normally avoids anything green cleaned his plate and asked for seconds. The crispy texture of the gnocchi completely transformed his expectation of what a vegetable-forward dish could taste like. This recipe has a magical way of converting vegetable skeptics.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have available. For a heartier version add sliced Italian sausage or pancetta at the beginning of the crisping stage. The rendered fat adds incredible flavor to the gnocchi. Vegetarians can add pine nuts or walnuts for extra protein and textural contrast.

Perfect Pairings

The Mediterranean flavors in this dish pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a complete meal serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens and bright citrus complement the richness of the gnocchi and feta perfectly.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer replace spinach with fresh basil and add halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking. The heat will slightly blister the tomatoes releasing their sweet juices into the dish. In autumn try adding cubed butternut squash roasted separately until tender then folded in at the final stage with sage leaves fried crisp in butter.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I make sure my gnocchi gets properly crispy?

For perfectly crispy gnocchi, ensure your pan and oil are properly heated before adding the cooked gnocchi. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this prevents proper crisping. Using a heavy-bottomed frying pan helps distribute heat evenly for better results.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be substituted, but it will yield a slightly different texture. Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pan. You'll need about 1 cup of thawed, drained frozen spinach to replace the 4 cups of fresh spinach called for in this dish.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, ricotta for a milder option, or even grated parmesan for a saltier taste. Each alternative will change the overall flavor profile slightly while still complementing the gnocchi and spinach.

→ Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking to maintain the gnocchi's crispiness, you can prepare components ahead of time. Boil the gnocchi, drain, and toss with a bit of olive oil, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, crisp the gnocchi in a hot pan and proceed with the rest of the recipe. The entire prepared dish can be stored for 1-2 days but will lose some crispiness when reheated.

→ How can I make this dish more substantial?

To make this dish more filling, consider adding protein like Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or white beans. You can also incorporate additional vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini as suggested in the notes. For a more robust sauce, add a splash of cream or some reserved pasta water with a tablespoon of butter before adding the feta.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

While gnocchi creates a unique texture that crisps beautifully, you can substitute with short pasta shapes like orecchiette, farfalle, or penne. The pasta won't get the same crispy exterior, but will still pair well with the spinach and feta. Cook the pasta al dente before adding to the pan, and consider adding a splash of pasta water to create more of a sauce.