Name: Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade); 3 cups fresh baby spinach; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or grated nutmeg

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Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a rich, comforting dish that comes together in just one pan. The pillowy gnocchi soaks up a velvety, garlicky cream sauce that’s balanced by the brightness of spinach and the tangy bite of crumbled feta. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that always satisfies when I need something cozy and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe makes dinner feel both indulgent and wholesome. The gnocchi is soft and satisfying, the spinach adds a bit of freshness, and the feta gives it that salty, creamy punch that ties everything together. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when I want something homemade without a lot of fuss. Plus, I only need one skillet—less cleanup always makes me happy. Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh baby spinach
Feta cheese (crumbled)
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Olive oil or butter
Salt
Ground black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes or nutmeg for added depth

Directions

I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter.
I add the gnocchi straight into the pan (no need to boil) and sauté for 4–5 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
I stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly.
I add the spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce.
I finish by crumbling in the feta, seasoning with salt and pepper, and stirring everything together until creamy and well combined.
I serve it hot, with an optional pinch of red pepper flakes or a grating of nutmeg for a warm finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 as a main dish or 4 as a side.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes toss in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for more depth. If I want a protein boost, I add shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp. For a lighter version, I swap in half-and-half or use a bit of cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream. And when I want it extra cheesy, I stir in a handful of grated parmesan before serving.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. I avoid high heat to keep the feta from separating. Microwaving works too, but I stir halfway through to keep the texture creamy. Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

FAQs

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?

No, I love that I can pan-fry the gnocchi directly—no boiling needed. It saves time and gives the gnocchi a great texture.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to avoid a watery sauce.

What kind of cream should I use?

Heavy cream gives the richest result, but I’ve used half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch. I just simmer it a little longer to thicken.

Is feta too salty for this dish?

Feta does add saltiness, so I taste the dish before adding more salt. If I want a milder cheese, I sometimes mix in some ricotta or cream cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but I’ve made it ahead and reheated it with a splash of cream. The texture holds up well for a day or two.

Conclusion

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is my go-to when I want something rich, flavorful, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests, this dish never fails to impress.