Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this unbelievably delicious Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi. This one-pan wonder brings together pillowy gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and tangy feta in a luscious, savory cream sauce. If you’re searching for a meal that is quick to make, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup, you’ve found your new go-to recipe. It’s an elegant dish that’s simple enough for a busy Monday but special enough for a relaxed Friday.
We’ve all had those days where the thought of a complicated meal is just too much. This recipe is the answer. In under 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The magic lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the speed of the cooking process.
Why This Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi is a Weeknight Winner
There are so many reasons to love this dish, but here are the highlights that make it a standout choice for any home cook.
One-Pan Simplicity: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes! Everything comes together in a single skillet, making both cooking and cleanup an absolute breeze.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes: This recipe is designed for busy schedules. From start to finish, you’re less than half an hour away from a warm, comforting meal.
Rich, Layered Flavors: The combination of salty feta, earthy spinach, aromatic garlic, and a hint of lemon creates a perfectly balanced and incredibly savory sauce that clings to every single piece of gnocchi.
Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. You can easily add protein like chicken or shrimp, or toss in other vegetables you have on hand. Check out our One-Pan Balsamic Chicken for another easy dinner idea.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients that deliver big on flavor. You won’t need to hunt for specialty items to create this masterpiece.
The perfect bite of comfort food.
For the Gnocchi:
Potato Gnocchi: One package of store-bought potato gnocchi is perfect. It’s a fantastic time-saver.
Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of both gives the gnocchi a beautiful golden-brown sear and rich flavor.
For the Creamy Sauce:
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the aromatic foundation.
Vegetable Broth: This adds depth to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The key to a luxuriously creamy and rich texture.
Fresh Spinach: A generous amount of fresh spinach wilts down beautifully into the sauce.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese melts slightly, adding a tangy, salty bite that cuts through the richness of the cream.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up all the flavors.
Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Gnocchi
Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi. The key is to pan-sear the gnocchi first to give them a delightful texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Sear the Gnocchi: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove the gnocchi from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until it wilts completely into the sauce.
Combine and Finish: Return the seared gnocchi to the skillet. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the gnocchi is heated through and the feta is slightly melted. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Look at that creamy, dreamy sauce!
Pro Tips for the Creamiest, Most Flavorful Sauce
Want to ensure your Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi turns out perfect every time? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t Boil the Gnocchi: Pan-searing the gnocchi directly from the package gives them a much better texture than boiling. It creates a satisfyingly crisp exterior that holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
Use Quality Feta: For the best flavor, use a block of feta packed in brine and crumble it yourself. It’s creamier and has a more robust taste than pre-crumbled varieties.
Fresh is Best: While you can use frozen spinach in a pinch (make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water), fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Over-Stir: Once you add the gnocchi back to the pan, stir gently to combine everything without breaking the delicate dumplings apart. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you might also love our Pesto Chicken Tortellini.
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to make it your own with these delicious additions.
A Touch of Spice: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for a spicier kick.
Herbaceous Notes: Stir in some fresh basil or parsley at the end for an extra layer of freshness. For another comforting meal, try this amazing Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe.
What to Serve with Your Gnocchi
This Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad like this Strawberry Spinach Salad dressed in a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, a side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious cream sauce.
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
While feta provides a unique tangy flavor, you could substitute it with crumbled goat cheese for a similar tang or with grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty flavor.
No, and we recommend you don’t! Pan-searing the gnocchi directly from the package gives it a wonderful texture that is crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.
Share Your Creations!
I hope you love this quick and easy Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi recipe as much as I do! It’s a true game-changer for busy weeknights. If you make this dish, I would love to see it! Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest and tag me. Your feedback helps so much!
This one-pan creamy gnocchi is the dinner you've been dreaming of!
Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi Recipe
FL Recipes
Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi (Easy One-Pan Recipe)
This Creamy Spinach and Feta Gnocchi is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner! Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish features pan-seared gnocchi in a luscious, savory cream sauce with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in vegetable broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts completely into the sauce.
Return the seared gnocchi to the skillet. Stir in the crumbled feta, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcalProtein: 15gFat: 35gFiber: 5g
Notes
Tip 1: For the best texture, pan-sear the gnocchi directly from the package instead of boiling it first. Tip 2: Use a block of feta in brine and crumble it yourself for superior flavor and a creamier melt. Tip 3: Don't overheat the cream sauce to prevent it from splitting. A gentle simmer is all you need.
Keyword easy weeknight dinner,one pan gnocchi,vegetarian gnocchi
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
