Creamy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta (Print)

Tender gnocchi in rich creamy sauce with wilted spinach and tangy feta for a comforting vegetarian meal.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1.1 pounds potato gnocchi, fresh or shelf-stable

→ Vegetables

02 - 5.3 ounces fresh baby spinach
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Dairy

05 - 5.3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
06 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
07 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - Pinch of ground nutmeg, optional
12 - Olive oil, for sautéing

# How to Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in half of the crumbled feta and all of the Parmesan if using. Mix until cheese is mostly melted into a creamy sauce. Add nutmeg if desired. Reduce heat to low.
05 - Cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well.
06 - Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy spinach sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from heat. Top with remaining feta cheese and extra black pepper. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
  • It hits that perfect spot between cozy comfort food and something slightly elegant
02 -
  • Reserve about a half cup of pasta water before draining the gnocchi in case you need to loosen the sauce
  • The sauce will continue thickening off the heat so do not reduce it too much while cooking
03 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing the onion or it will steam instead of caramelize
  • Let the feta sit on top for a minute before serving so it warms through but still holds its shape

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