Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe | Healthy Dinner Inspiration
**Introduction**
Imagine a dish that delivers the indulgent comfort of a rich, creamy pasta but comes together with the speed and simplicity of a weeknight stir-fry. This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is exactly that—a deceptively elegant, one-pan wonder that transforms humble ingredients into a luxuriously satisfying meal in under 20 minutes. Pillowy potato gnocchi are pan-seared until golden, then enveloped in a velvety, garlic-infused sauce brightened by lemon zest and punctuated with vibrant pops of fresh spinach and tangy, crumbled feta cheese. It’s hearty and comforting yet feels surprisingly fresh and balanced. This recipe is the perfect antidote to a long day, offering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a brilliant way to turn a pantry staple into a dinner that feels special, nutritious, and deeply gratifying.
**Perfect for:**
Speedy weeknight dinners with maximum flavor
Elegant yet effortless date nights at home
A satisfying meatless Monday or vegetarian main course
Using up leftover spinach or herbs in the fridge
Cooking for one or two with easy scaling
**Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe**
**Unbelievably Quick:** From stovetop to table in about 20 minutes, this recipe is faster than waiting for delivery. It’s the ultimate solution for busy evenings when time is short but cravings are big.
**One-Pan Simplicity:** Everything cooks in a single large skillet, meaning phenomenal flavor development with minimal cleanup. It’s a streamlined cooking process that anyone can master.
**Luxuriously Healthy:** The creaminess is achieved with a clever combination of broth and a touch of cream cheese or Greek yogurt, offering rich texture with less heaviness. Packed with greens and protein-rich feta, it’s comfort food you can feel good about.
**Endlessly Adaptable:** This recipe is a fantastic template. Add protein, swap the greens, or use different cheeses to make it your own. It’s forgiving and flexible based on what you have available.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 380-420 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 380-420 kcal
**Protein:** 12g
**Carbohydrates:** 52g
**Fat:** 14g
**Fiber:** 4g
**Sugar:** 3g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 1 (16-17 oz) package shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
* 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
* 4 oz (1/2 cup) full-fat cream cheese, softened (or use 3/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier version)
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 5 oz fresh baby spinach (about 5 large handfuls)
* 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* For serving: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra lemon wedges, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Sear the Gnocchi:** Heat olive oil in a large, non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown on one side. Toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes until lightly browned in spots. Remove gnocchi to a plate.
2. **Build the Sauce Base:** In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant—do not let the garlic burn.
3. **Create the Cream Sauce:** Pour in the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the softened cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) and lemon zest. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. **Wilt the Spinach:** Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, one large handful at a time, stirring until it wilts and incorporates into the sauce. This will take 1-2 minutes.
5. **Combine and Finish:** Return the seared gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy spinach sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. **Add Feta and Season:** Gently fold in half of the crumbled feta cheese. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed (remember, feta is salty). The residual heat will warm the feta without melting it completely.
7. **Serve Immediately:** Divide among bowls. Top with the remaining crumbled feta, a sprinkle of Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and any fresh herbs.
**How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta**
As a complete, satisfying vegetarian main course.
Alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
With a piece of grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp mixed in for extra protein.
With a slice of crusty, warm bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
**Additional Tips for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta**
For the best texture, use shelf-stable gnocchi and give them a good sear. This prevents them from becoming mushy and adds a delightful chewy exterior.
Ensure your cream cheese is very soft at room temperature to prevent a lumpy sauce. Whisk vigorously.
If using Greek yogurt, take the skillet off the heat before stirring it in to prevent curdling. Add it at the very end, just before the feta.
The sauce will thicken as it sits. If needed, thin it with a splash of extra broth or pasta water when reheating leftovers.
**Recipe Variations of Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta**
**Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke:** Add 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts (canned or jarred) with the spinach.
**Protein-Packed Version:** Add 1 cup of shredded rotisserie chicken, diced cooked sausage, or white beans (like cannellini) when returning the gnocchi to the skillet.
**Mushroom & Herb:** Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms in the skillet after searing the gnocchi. Remove, then proceed with the sauce. Stir them back in at the end and finish with fresh thyme.
**Freezing and Storage for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta**
**Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it can make the gnocchi gummy.
**Freezing:** This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy-based sauce and the gnocchi, which can become mealy and soft upon thawing and reheating.
**FAQ Section about Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta**
**Can I use frozen spinach?** Yes. Thaw 10 oz of frozen chopped spinach and squeeze out ALL excess liquid thoroughly. Add it to the sauce after the cream cheese has melted.
**Is there a substitute for cream cheese?** Full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese are excellent substitutes. For a lighter option, use 1/2 cup of heavy cream or evaporated milk, but simmer a few minutes longer to thicken.
**My sauce is too thick. How can I fix it?** Simply whisk in additional broth, a tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
**Can I make this recipe vegan?** Yes. Use vegan gnocchi (check labels), olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and a vegan cream cheese alternative. Substitute the feta with crumbled vegan feta or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
**Conclusion of Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe**
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a masterclass in efficient, flavorful cooking. It proves that a handful of thoughtful ingredients and a single pan are all you need to create a meal that is both impressively delicious and undeniably simple. This recipe strikes the elusive perfect balance between indulgence and wholesomeness, offering a creamy, cheesy comfort that is brightened by lemon and greens. It’s a reliable, versatile formula that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire, ready to save the day on any busy evening or to set the stage for a cozy night in. Once you experience how effortlessly it comes together, this dish will become a cherished regular in your weekly rotation.