Delicious Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta for a Healthy Meal

You know, there’s something about a warm pan bubbling away on a cool afternoon that just feels like home. One of my all-time favorite dishes to make when I want cozy comfort with a bit of flair is this fantastic Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta. The very first time I whipped up this cheesy gnocchi dish, my kitchen was filled with the smell of sautéed garlic and that salty, tangy feta melting into a creamy spinach sauce—it literally brought my whole family running to the table. It wasn’t long before Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta became our go-to weekend dinner when we want something fast but special.

I remember the early days when I was just learning the ropes with potato gnocchi. The first few attempts were, well, a bit lumpy and overcooked—I’ve been there! But once I got the hang of it, especially the magic of pairing with that luscious spinach feta gnocchi combo, it felt like every bite was a little Italian getaway on a plate. There’s something so satisfying and warm about swirling soft pillows of gnocchi in a creamy spinach sauce, baked or tossed just right, then sprinkled generously with feta—a true hug in food form!

Balancing this dish into my jam-packed family life was a small challenge at first. But the moment I perfected the recipe—a kind of Italian gnocchi recipe meets weeknight warrior—it slipped right into our dinner rotation without a hitch. Whether the kids had after-school activities or there was just a lazy Sunday afternoon, this dish fit the bill. And honestly, it’s one of those recipes that invites a bit of improvisation, which is perfect because, well, toddlers and unexpected guests keep me on my toes!

I’d love for you to feel that same joy and ease when making Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, so stick around. I’ll share everything from my favorite ingredient picks to family-tested tips that keep this dish moist, cheesy, and utterly delightful. Plus, if you’re in a rush or working with picky eaters, I’ve got shortcuts and hacks to make this recipe a breeze. If you want to peek at a really creamy take on this combo, you might also like this creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta I posted earlier—it’s a slight spin that my crew can’t stop raving about. So, grab your skillet, and let’s get cozy in the kitchen!


What You’ll Need for This Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Alright, let’s talk ingredients because the beauty of this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta really comes down to choosing the right components—and hey, I’m all about keeping it simple and budget-friendly! Here’s my go-to list for this spinach feta gnocchi wonder:

  • 1 pound potato gnocchi (I always recommend fresh if you can find it—it cooks up tender and absorbs the sauce perfectly. Aldi usually has a great option if you prefer convenience.)
  • 8 ounces fresh spinach (I sometimes use baby spinach for its tenderness; saves me the chopping too!)
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (The tangy saltiness is key—don’t scrimp here!)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (You can never have too much garlic in a cheesy gnocchi dish, trust me!)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (This is what makes the creamy spinach sauce so indulgent.)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (A little extra umami to make it sing.)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing the spinach and garlic!)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Top down view of raw ingredients for gnocchi with spinach and feta on marble surface

I’ve found that when making Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, shopping for fresh spinach at your local market early in the week helps you snag the freshest bunch without any wilting. If you’re short on time, frozen chopped spinach works in a pinch—just be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can before adding it to the sauce. When I’m feeling extra organized, I prep my ingredients the night before: crumble the feta, grate the Parmesan, and chop the garlic so the next day’s dinner flows right along like clockwork.

One neat trick I picked up for making this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta even easier? If you can find pre-made potato gnocchi that’s not too sticky, that’s half the battle won. I store extra gnocchi in the freezer, tightly wrapped, so I always have a quick meal up my sleeve. And a quick tip on the feta—buy it in blocks if you can and crumble it yourself; it tastes fresher and can be more affordable this way.

For ingredient inspiration, if you want some different spins on using spinach with your gnocchi, this Aldi gnocchi recipe with tomato and spinach sauce is a lovely variation that’s popped up in the community. Plus, for a richer, creamier sauce twist, I adore the one over at Julia’s Album where she pairs sausage with her creamy spinach sauce. There’s just something about these combinations that make cooking feel like sharing a piece of Italy right at home.

Let’s Make This Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Together

Ready to dive in? Making this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is like a dance—you get the timing, and suddenly it all flows beautifully.

  1. Cook the potato gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently add the gnocchi. They’re done when they float to the surface—usually about 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry if some stick together; I learned the hard way with Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta that a gentle stir while cooking helps keep them separate.
  2. Drain and set aside: Scoop the gnocchi out with a slotted spoon and set aside. I like to toss them lightly in a tablespoon of olive oil to keep them from sticking.
  3. Sauté your garlic and spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, add the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds—you’ll know when your Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta starts smelling incredible right here). Then toss in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the creamy spinach sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once it starts to thicken, mix in the grated Parmesan and crumbled feta. Note: the feta won’t melt completely but will soften and add that perfect tanginess to the cheesy gnocchi dish.
  5. Combine gently: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and fold everything together gently. Keep the heat low here—too high and the cream could separate.
  6. Season and finish: Taste and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Your Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta should look rich and glossy, with that creamy spinach sauce coating each pillow.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy: This whole process usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish in my kitchen, which I’ve found perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

While the gnocchi cooks, I often set the table or toss together a simple salad—multitasking is key in busy family life, right? If you want some great tricks for dealing with the sauce’s texture or want to try a twist, you might enjoy the creamy Parmesan spinach gnocchi version over here from Life As A Strawberry. It offers wonderful insight into making a smooth creamy spinach sauce, helping keep your own Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta extra dreamy.

How I Love to Serve This Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Dinner time is family time, and serving this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta feels like offering a warm embrace at the end of a long day. My crew absolutely loves it when I pair this cheesy gnocchi dish with a crisp green salad tossed simply with lemon and olive oil. The brightness cuts through the richness perfectly.

Sometimes, on a chilly evening, I whip up a batch alongside roasted garlic bread—because who can say no to crusty, buttery bread dipped in that creamy spinach sauce? This dish is also fantastic for casual dinner parties or special occasions when I want to keep things cozy but still impressive. Friends often ask for this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe because it’s so approachable yet fancy enough to feel special.

If I have leftovers — which rarely happen because my kids always sneak a second helping — I love to stir them into a scrambled egg breakfast or toss the cold gnocchi into a salad for the next day. For a seasonal twist, in the fall I like adding a little nutmeg to the creamy spinach sauce—it warms the whole dish up beautifully.

And if you’re ever in a pinch but want to keep the spirit of this dish, check out my crispy feta chicken with hot honey drizzle recipe. It’s a fantastic complement if you want a protein side without fuss.

Slight angle close-up of finished gnocchi with spinach and feta served warm

Your Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Questions Answered

I get so many wonderful questions about this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe from readers and friends—let’s go through some of the most common ones, like we’re chatting in the kitchen together!

Q: Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve done it more times than I can count. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture, or your creamy spinach sauce could turn watery. You know what I do when my Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta sauce feels too thin? I sprinkle in a little extra Parmesan and let it simmer a bit to thicken up.

Q: What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?
Fresh potato gnocchi is my favorite because it absorbs that creamy spinach sauce so well. But store-bought frozen gnocchi works just fine too—just follow the package directions carefully to avoid them getting mushy. My family’s favorite is the soft potato gnocchi from Aldi—it’s affordable and tasty, perfect for busy weeknights.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
I’ve experimented by swapping the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and replacing feta with vegan cheese alternatives. It’s not quite the same cheesy gnocchi dish, but it’s still delicious and creamy! If anyone in my family is dairy-free, this vegan twist saves the day without sacrificing flavor.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the sauce?
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Microwaves can be tricky—they tend to dry things out, so slow and steady on the stove is my secret.

Q: Do I have any tips for baking this dish instead of stovetop?
Yes! You can toss the gnocchi with the creamy spinach sauce, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra feta and Parmesan on top, and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. It adds a nice cheesy crust on top. This technique is shared beautifully in this TikTok baked feta pasta with pesto recipe too, great inspiration for baked cheesy gnocchi dishes!

Q: What’s a good protein to serve alongside?
Honestly, I’m a fan of roasted chicken or crispy feta chicken like this crispy feta chicken with hot honey drizzle — the sweet-spicy glaze is a perfect foil for the creamy spinach and feta flavors.

Q: Sometimes my gnocchi falls apart while cooking—what am I doing wrong?
It happens to the best of us! I’ve learned to gently boil and not overcrowd the pot to prevent clumping. Stir sparingly; too much poking around can cause them to break up.

If you want even more inspiration or tips on making Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, both fresh and baked, this Aldi gnocchi recipe with tomato and spinach sauce is a nice resource for switching up the sauce flavors.

My Final Thoughts on This Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

I honestly can’t say enough how much this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe has become a staple in my household. It’s simple, satisfying, and somehow keeps that perfect balance of being fancy enough for company but easy enough for busy school nights. I keep going back to this cozy, cheesy gnocchi dish because it gives me that little moment in the kitchen where everything clicks, and my family feels loved through a shared meal.

My Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Pro Tips:

  • Always use fresh or well-drained spinach to keep the creamy spinach sauce from watering down.
  • Let your gnocchi rest a bit in some olive oil after cooking to avoid clumps in the pan.
  • Don’t be shy with the feta—it’s the star that makes this cheesy gnocchi dish sing!

Over the years, we’ve tried a few variations—adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy perk, swapping cream for mascarpone for an ultra-rich touch, or mixing in cooked sausage for a heartier dinner. My husband loves the sausage version, while my kids prefer it plain with extra cheese on top. For a lighter option, I swap cream for half-and-half and add mushrooms to the spinach feta gnocchi mix.

If you give this dish a try, I hope you feel the same joy I do when I make it—a kind of comforting ritual in the kitchen, filled with aromas and moments that bring family together. Remember, Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is as flexible as it is delicious; make it yours with your favorite tweaks.

If you loved this recipe and want to explore more cheesy gnocchi goodness, be sure to check out my other favorites like creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta and my cozy baked options. Cooking should be joyful, nourishing, and a little bit adventurous, don’t you think?

So go on, friend—grab that potato gnocchi, some fresh spinach, feta, and make this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta your next kitchen triumph. Trust me, your family is going to thank you every single time.

If you want to revisit a creamy sausage version with a bit more punch, Julia’s take on creamy sausage gnocchi is a wonderful one-pan, 30-minute meal that pairs beautifully with our spinach feta gnocchi adventures. Cheers to many more cozy family dinners!

Print

Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Freshly prepared Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta on white plate

A delicious and comforting Italian dish combining pillowy gnocchi with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 150g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cooked gnocchi and toss to combine, heating through.
  5. Remove from heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!