Name: Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g); 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

I absolutely love making this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe whenever I want something comforting yet fresh and full of flavor. The golden, crispy gnocchi paired with tender, vibrant spinach and salty, tangy feta is a combination that always brightens my dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, cooks up in under 30 minutes, and feels special without any fuss—perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing friends on a casual weekend.

Why You'll Love This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

What really sets this dish apart is the delightful contrast between the crispy gnocchi and the soft, flavorful spinach and feta. I love the way the outside of the gnocchi gets beautifully golden and crunchy, while the inside remains pillowy and tender. When you add the fresh spinach that wilts slightly in the pan and the crumbled feta that melts just enough to make everything creamy and tangy, you get a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s both balanced and exciting.

I also appreciate how effortless this recipe is for the quality it delivers. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, I’m able to pull together something that tastes like it took way more time and skill than it did. This is definitely one of those dishes I reach for when I want to treat myself without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve casually or dress up for a dinner with guests.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight when I crave something quick and delicious or a cozy weekend when I want to slow down and truly savor my meal, this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe always hits the spot. It’s the kind of comforting but fresh dish I recommend everyone has in their cooking repertoire, because it’s that reliably tasty and satisfying.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a metal pan filled with golden-brown gnocchi mixed with bright green spinach leaves and small white beans. The dish looks cooked in olive oil with some light seasoning visible on the gnocchi. A wooden spoon held by a woman's hand is stirring the food, lifting some pieces above the rest. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding texture, flavor, or color. You’ll notice how the gnocchi provide that chewy base, while fresh spinach injects a lovely green vibrancy, and the feta adds a punch of savory creaminess.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade for a soft, pillowy base that crisps up beautifully in the pan.
Olive oil: Essential for getting that perfect golden crust on the gnocchi while adding rich flavor.
Fresh spinach: Adds a bright, fresh green color and gentle earthiness to balance the dish.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy creaminess that melts into the spinach and gnocchi.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds warmth and an irresistible fragrance that infuses the whole dish.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but key seasonings that enhance all the flavors beautifully.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat, this spice adds a lovely kick without overpowering.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook them according to the package instructions until they float to the surface—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This signals they are cooked through and ready to be crisped. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and set aside to drain well.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the cooked gnocchi in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Gently stir the gnocchi and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes so that all sides get that perfect golden crust. The crispy texture is key here, so don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful it doesn’t burn as that would add bitterness.

Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir gently until it wilts down, about 2 to 3 minutes. This is when the dish gets its vibrant green color and fresh flavor contrast.

Step 6: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Remove from heat once everything is combined.

Step 7: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, letting it soften slightly and mingle with the spinach and gnocchi. Serve immediately while still warm and crispy for the best experience.

Servings and Timing

This recipe generously serves 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends. The prep time is a quick 10 minutes, largely for boiling and draining the gnocchi and prepping ingredients. Cooking time is about 15 minutes, including crisping the gnocchi and wilting the spinach. You’re looking at a total time of roughly 25 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting or cooling time required, making it ideal for a fast, comforting meal.

How to Serve This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with golden-brown seared gnocchi pieces that are slightly crispy on the outside. Mixed among the gnocchi are bright green spinach leaves with a fresh texture and roasted chunks of orange butternut squash. Light shavings of white cheese are sprinkled over the top, adding a delicate, snowy layer. A golden spoon rests inside the bowl, slightly buried under the food. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred neutral cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like to serve this dish piping hot right off the stove to preserve that delightful gnocchi crispiness. On the plate, I find a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil really finishes it beautifully. A few fresh cracked black peppercorns on top add a nice final touch both in flavor and appearance.

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or even a simple tomato and cucumber salad to bring a refreshing bite alongside the warm gnocchi. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken work nicely to round out the meal.

When it comes to beverages, I often reach for a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian white wine, which complements the tangy feta and cuts through the richness. Alternatively, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon makes a great non-alcoholic pairing. This dish is so flexible, it shines at casual weeknight dinners or can feel special enough to serve at a relaxed weekend gathering.

Variations

I love experimenting with variations on this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe to suit different moods and dietary needs. For example, swapping spinach for kale or Swiss chard introduces a bit more texture and a slightly earthier flavor, which I find delicious. Adding halved cherry tomatoes or sautéed bell peppers brings a pop of color and a sweet acidic brightness that livens up the plate even more.

If you need a gluten-free option, I recommend using gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available these days and cooks just like regular gnocchi. To make the recipe vegan, try replacing the feta with a tangy vegan cheese alternative, and use a plant-based oil to crisp the gnocchi. This keeps the recipe inclusive without losing that fantastic flavor combination.

For a different cooking method, you could try roasting the gnocchi in the oven for a hands-off crispy finish instead of pan-frying. Or toss everything together in a skillet then finish under a broiler with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, gratin-style variation. These small tweaks help keep the dish exciting every time I make it!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend transferring them into an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 1 to 2 days. Using a shallow container helps the contents cool evenly and prevents sogginess, which is important for maintaining the gnocchi's crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze as well because the crispy texture tends to get lost during thawing. However, if you want to freeze it, place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. It should keep for up to 1 month. When thawing, try to reheat the gnocchi separately to restore some crispness.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish and keep it as close to the original crispy texture is by pan-frying it again in a little olive oil over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to make the gnocchi chewy or mushy. A quick reheat in a hot skillet will revive the crunch and melt the feta, keeping the dish vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe. Just cook them according to the package instructions until they float to the surface before frying. They crisp up beautifully and save you time.

How do I get the gnocchi really crispy without burning them?

Make sure your pan and oil are hot before adding the gnocchi, and don’t stir too often so they have a chance to develop a golden crust. Use medium-high heat and cook them undisturbed for a few minutes on each side for optimal crispiness without burning.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are all great additions. You can sauté them with the garlic or separately and then combine them with the gnocchi and spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it includes no meat. If you want a vegan version, simply swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use plant-based oil.

How spicy does this dish get with red pepper flakes?

The amount of red pepper flakes is totally adjustable. I usually add just a teaspoon for a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to add more or omit entirely depending on your spice preference.

Conclusion

I really hope you enjoy making and eating this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe as much as I do. It’s a warm, comforting dish with vibrant, fresh flavors and that unbeatable crispy texture that makes each bite so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring joy and deliciousness to the table quickly and easily. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!