Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta – Rich, Tangy & Ready in 20 Minutes

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are coated in a rich, velvety sauce, speckled with vibrant wilted spinach, and finished with tangy crumbled feta cheese. It’s simple, elegant, and utterly comforting.

This vegetarian-friendly meal checks all the boxes: quick, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or need a fast, meatless dinner option, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Best of all? It’s ready in 30 minutes or less, all in one pan. That means less time cooking and cleaning, and more time enjoying a delicious, homemade meal. Serve it as a weeknight staple or impress guests with its rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Either way, it’s sure to become a favorite.

 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

This recipe is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and quick convenience — and once you try it, you’ll see why it deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

First, it’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. The salty feta balances the richness of the sauce, while the spinach adds freshness and color. Paired with the soft chew of gnocchi, each bite is pure comfort.

It’s also a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup — always a win. From stovetop to table in 30 minutes or less, there’s no need for complex steps or fancy techniques.

Even better, it’s vegetarian-friendly, and easily adaptable for dairy-free or vegan diets. Swap in plant-based cream and vegan feta, and you’ve got a delicious alternative everyone can enjoy.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meatless Mondays, or whenever you need a quick, fuss-free meal. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s comforting without being heavy, easy without being boring, and impressive without the stress — this creamy gnocchi has your name on it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

• Potato gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or fresh)

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic, minced (2–3 cloves)

• Onion or shallot, finely diced (optional)

• Baby spinach (fresh preferred, frozen works too — just thaw and drain)

• Feta cheese, crumbled

• Heavy cream or full-fat milk
  (Plant-based cream alternatives like oat or coconut cream work too)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional flavor enhancers:

  • Red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat

  • Lemon zest, for brightness

  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Vegan feta or cashew cheese for a dairy-free version

• Oat cream, soy cream, or coconut cream instead of dairy cream

• Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach — just chop and cook slightly longer

Tip: Use good-quality feta (block style, not pre-crumbled) for the best texture and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

a. Cook the Gnocchi

You can boil the gnocchi according to package instructions or pan-fry it for extra flavor and texture. To pan-fry: heat a little olive oil in a non-stick pan and cook the gnocchi until golden and crispy on the outside — about 5–7 minutes. Set aside once cooked.

b. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and optional onion or shallot until fragrant and translucent — about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can turn bitter.

c. Wilt the Spinach

Add your baby spinach to the pan. Stir frequently until just wilted — about 2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry before adding to avoid watering down the sauce.

d. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in your heavy cream (or plant-based alternative) and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the feta cheese, letting it melt slightly and blend into the sauce. The feta will add creaminess and a salty tang, so taste before adding extra salt. Season with pepper, and optionally add red pepper flakes for heat and lemon zest for a fresh zing. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If it gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of water or milk.

e. Add Gnocchi and Finish

Return the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing it in the creamy spinach-feta sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

To serve, garnish with extra feta, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a bit of brightness. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic, satisfying meal.

f. Optional Add-ins and Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. Even roasted red peppers make a great addition.

Tips for Success

• Use shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience, but fresh gnocchi will give you a more tender texture if available.

• Pan-frying the gnocchi first gives it a crispy outside and soft center — perfect for contrasting the creamy sauce.

• Be gentle with the spinach — it should just wilt, not turn mushy. Add it after your aromatics are cooked to preserve texture and color.

• Choose high-quality feta — block feta in brine has a creamier texture and richer taste than pre-crumbled versions.

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to cut through the richness and brighten the dish.

• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen it. If too thin, simmer a bit longer.

• Want to make it baked? Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

This dish is endlessly flexible — make it your own by adjusting ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary needs.