There’s this moment I always remember when making gnocchi with spinach and feta that brings warmth to my kitchen—the smell of potatoes boiling just right and that little sprinkle of feta cheese melting into the spinach, turning this simple potato gnocchi dish into something my whole family gathers around for. Gnocchi with spinach and feta has found a special place on our table because it’s honest comfort food with a fresh twist, a recipe I learned the hard way after one too many soggy attempts.
I remember the first time I tried making gnocchi with spinach and feta; my kitchen looked like a storm had passed. I had overcooked the gnocchi, and the spinach was soggy, but somehow my kids still ate every bite and asked for more. That encouraged me to keep trying until I could perfect this Italian gnocchi recipe with the creamy spinach and salty feta notes we fell in love with. It’s become a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want to give my family something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
Gnocchi with spinach and feta feels like that perfect balance of indulgence and ease. Whether it’s after a long day of carpools, soccer practice, or just the usual whirlwind of shuffling kids from one activity to another, this creamy spinach gnocchi dish is part of the calm at the end of the chaos. I’m excited to walk you through my go-to recipe and tips for the best feta cheese gnocchi moments, sharing everything from ingredient choices to how to get that gnocchi tender pillows just right.
Before you know it, you’ll be making gnocchi with spinach and feta that gets you the same smiles and “more please” comments at your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try this favorite and maybe even add your own spin, making it as special to your family as it is to mine. If this sounds like your kind of cozy yet fresh meal, dive in with me—plus, I’ll share some links to great tips like making creamy spinach and feta gnocchi gluten-free from Create Cook Share, which really helped me adapt this dish when a friend came over with gluten sensitivities. This is gnocchi with spinach and feta you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients:

When I gather ingredients for my gnocchi with spinach and feta, I always look for freshness and simplicity. Here’s what I use every time:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (I like the tangy kind packed in brine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is love)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for that creamy spinach gnocchi touch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a little zip
I always buy my potato gnocchi from a local market when possible, but there are great options in the frozen section that save time without sacrificing flavor. For gnocchi with spinach and feta, using fresh spinach makes all the difference—it brightens the dish in a way frozen spinach just can’t compete with. If you’re trying this gnocchi dish but prefer a vegetarian twist (without cream), you can substitute with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice for brightness.
When I shop for feta cheese gnocchi dishes, I sometimes swap the traditional feta with a creamier goat cheese for a softer bite the kids liked a lot. For busy parents, I recommend pre-minced garlic or frozen pre-washed spinach—you won’t sacrifice the fresh flavors in this gnocchi with spinach and feta recipe by taking these shortcuts. For even more inspiration about ingredients that work great in spinach and feta dishes, I love revisiting my Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta recipe for quick flavor combos that pack a punch.
How to Make – Step by Step
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Adding garlic first helps build the flavor base for your gnocchi with spinach and feta. You’ll want to smell that garlic soften without browning too quickly here.
2. Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté just until wilted — about 2 minutes. This quick step keeps your gnocchi with spinach and feta lively and fresh rather than soggy. If you overcook the spinach, the texture won’t be right.
3. While the spinach softens, cook the potato gnocchi in boiling salted water. They’re done when they float to the surface — a quick cue I learned from my favorite classic Italian gnocchi recipe techniques. Use a slotted spoon to take them out. Don’t let them overcook or they get mushy, which is the biggest gnocchi with spinach and feta blunder.
4. Add the cooked gnocchi to the spinach and garlic in the skillet. Stir gently to combine, tossing carefully so the gnocchi keeps its pillowy texture.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well to create that creamy spinach gnocchi texture we all crave. Let it simmer for just a minute until the cream slightly thickens. If you want to see a creamier sausage version, Julia’s Creamy Sausage Gnocchi shows how to pump this dish up with protein.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the gnocchi with spinach and feta. The heat melts the feta slightly but leaves those bites of tangy goodness that make this gnocchi with spinach and feta dish so special.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like. Serve hot and watch it disappear.
Between steps, I like to tidy the kitchen or set the table, so I’m ready for dinner without feeling rushed. When making gnocchi with spinach and feta, patience is key, but it’s not complicated. Just trust the texture cues and flavors coming together, and remember: even if something feels fiddly, this creamy spinach gnocchi reward is worth every minute. Also, for extra help on technique and troubleshooting, take a peek at the tips on Life As A Strawberry’s Parmesan Spinach Gnocchi — they helped me get the texture just right early on.
Serving & Enjoying:

Gnocchi with spinach and feta on the dinner table is where the magic really happens in my house. My kids have surprisingly different favorites—my son loves just a little extra feta piled on top, while my daughter insists on adding a spoonful of tomato sauce on the side for dips. Gnocchi with spinach and feta works perfectly with a crisp green salad or some roasted cherry tomatoes to balance the creamy feel.
I usually reach for a sparkling water with lemon alongside, but on weekends we pair this gnocchi with spinach and feta dish with a light white wine for grown-up dinners. For stuffing winter nights, this dish often shares the table with my family’s beloved Classic Italian Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta, because anything with spinach just gets us all happy and full.
This gnocchi with spinach and feta is my go-to for casual get-togethers — because who doesn’t love serving something that feels fancy but is as easy as a weeknight meal? Leftovers? We’ve been known to sauté them gently the next day with a touch of butter and fresh herbs, and it’s a winner every time. Guests often tell me this gnocchi with spinach and feta dish tastes like it belongs in a little trattoria tucked away in Italy. I promise, it all starts with your kitchen and the fresh ingredients.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make gnocchi with spinach and feta ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep and cook the gnocchi and spinach mixture but hold off on adding the feta until just before serving. This keeps the feta fresh and flavorful in the creamy spinach gnocchi dish.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh spinach? Can I use frozen?
Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh spinach makes gnocchi with spinach and feta pop with brighter flavor and better texture. If you do use frozen, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water to avoid soggy gnocchi.
Q: Can I make gnocchi with spinach and feta gluten-free?
Definitely! I found a great gluten-free creamy spinach gnocchi recipe over at Create Cook Share that’s just as tender and delicious.
Q: How do I keep the potato gnocchi from falling apart?
Don’t overcook them! As soon as they float, scoop them out gently. Stir the gnocchi with spinach and feta gently in the pan to keep that soft but intact texture.
Q: Can I add meat to this gnocchi with spinach and feta?
Yes! Adding cooked sausage, like in this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi, makes a hearty version. Kids loved it, and I was all for sneaking in extra protein.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers of gnocchi with spinach and feta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm gently to keep the feta creamy and fresh.
Q: Can I freeze gnocchi with spinach and feta?
I don’t recommend freezing once combined with the feta and cream, but you can freeze plain cooked gnocchi and spinach separately and combine fresh after thawing.
Closing:
This gnocchi with spinach and feta recipe is more than just dinner—it reminds me of all the times I’ve tried, failed, and loved making something nourishing for my family. It’s a dish full of memories, laughter, and those “how did you make this?” moments that spice up our week.
My Personal Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Tips:
Don’t rush cooking the potato gnocchi—watch for that float, it’s key!
Use fresh spinach for brightest flavor and best texture.
Add feta last, so it melts just enough to keep its tangy character.
Over the years, I’ve tried variations like swapping feta for ricotta or tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes. My husband prefers extra cream for a richer sauce, while my kids love it simple with a drizzle of olive oil. The beauty of this gnocchi with spinach and feta recipe is how adaptable it is to your family’s tastes.
If you love this gnocchi with spinach and feta, check out my friends’ other hits like my Feta Dip with Honey, Pistachios, and Cranberries for snacking or the stuffed shells linked earlier. Keep this recipe close—it’s a keeper for sure. I hope you feel just as joy and satisfaction making gnocchi with spinach and feta as I do sharing it with you. Here’s to cozy nights, happy cooks, and full plates!
Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
A delicious and easy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi sautéed with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 500g potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss with spinach and garlic.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the gnocchi and spinach mixture. Stir gently to combine and warm through.
- Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Toss again to combine all flavors.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
For added protein, top with grilled chicken or roasted pine nuts. A drizzle of balsamic glaze also complements the flavors beautifully.

