Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach and Feta Skillet

I can’t help but reiterate the magic combination of golden, pillowy gnocchi, tangy feta, and tender baby spinach glistening in olive oil.

This recipe takes all the Greek-inspired charm of spanakopita and turns it into a comforting skillet meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re short on time or just craving something cozy, crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly.

Once this is done and you’ve leftover Gnocchi, you can use that with Toasted Hazelnuts, perfect for the fall season.

What Ingredients You’ll Need In This Gnocchi Dish

For the Gnocchi

• 1 package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added flavour and crispiness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spinach and Feta Sauce

• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup crumbled feta (use Greek feta for authentic flavour)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon dill and mint, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (optional for a Mediterranean touch)
• 1 tablespoon cream or 1 teaspoon brown butter (optional for a creamier sauce)

Optional Garnish

• Extra crumbled feta for topping
• Fresh dill or mint leaves
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Crisp the Gnocchi
   Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the gnocchi directly to the pan, no need to boil first. Fry the gnocchi for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece turns golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and pillowy inside. Remove the gnocchi from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
   In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat and add a touch more olive oil if needed. Add fresh garlic and cook until soft and translucent. Add the baby spinach and cook gently, allowing it to wilt and tenderize. Place the spinach into a large bowl if you want to mix separately, or keep it in the pan for a one-pan approach.
3. Create the Creamy Feta Sauce
   Add crumbled feta, dill, and oregano to the wilted spinach. Stir gently until the feta begins to soften and melt slightly. Add lemon juice and, if desired, a small splash of cream or brown butter for a delicious creamy finish. The sauce should be light, slightly tangy, and aromatic. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper (keeping in mind the salt in the feta).
4. Combine Everything
   Return the gnocchi to the spinach mixture. Toss gently to coat every piece of gnocchi in the feta sauce. Let it cook together for 1 to 2 minutes to absorb all the flavour.
5. Finish and Serve
   Remove from heat, top with extra crumbled feta, and drizzle a little olive oil on top. Serve warm straight from the skillet for that cozy, rustic feel.

Tips for Success

• Use shelf-stable gnocchi for best crisping results, it’s firm enough to pan fry without falling apart.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when crisping the gnocchi, give them space to brown evenly.
• A combination of butter and oil gives you the perfect crisp exterior and rich flavour.
• Keep the feta slightly chunky instead of fully melted for the best texture.
• If you’re short on time, this recipe works beautifully with pre-washed spinach and ready-to-use gnocchi.

What Makes Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta So Special?

Gnocchi has that soft, pillowy texture that makes every bite satisfying. When you fry the gnocchi until golden and crispy on the outside, it develops a crisp exterior while staying tender inside, like little potato clouds that soak up all the flavor.

Combine that with the creamy, salty tang of Greek feta and the freshness of spinach, and you’ve got a skillet dinner that’s as nourishing as it is elegant.

Spinach and feta naturally complement each other, like the base of a spanakopita reimagined for a weeknight meal.

The salt in the feta balances the leafy green freshness, while the lemon juice and dill lift the entire dish with brightness.

Combining the Gnocchi and Spinach for the Perfect Finish

Now it’s time to add the gnocchi back to the pan. Gently toss everything together so that the gnocchi soaks up the creamy sauce and mingles with the spinach and feta.

The goal is for each bite to have a little bit of everything, the crisp gnocchi, the tangy cheese, and the silky greens.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, though be mindful of the salt in the feta, and finish with a sprinkle of dill and mint. It’s a flavor combination reminiscent of classic Greek spanakopita but far quicker and simpler to make.

Can You Make This Recipe Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free?

Absolutely. To make a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free potato gnocchi from your favorite brand. They crisp just as nicely and work beautifully with feta and spinach.

For a dairy-free adaptation, swap the feta for a vegan alternative or crumble in a bit of tofu marinated with lemon juice and dill for a similar texture and brightness.

This flexibility makes it an easy weeknight meal that fits almost any dietary preference while keeping all that comforting flavour intact.

What’s the Secret to Perfectly Balanced Flavour?

The balance comes from layering textures and seasoning thoughtfully. Gnocchi brings comfort and body, spinach adds freshness, and feta lends that sharp, creamy edge. Don’t skip the lemon juice, it brightens the dish and brings everything into harmony.

A touch of dill, oregano, or even a hint of garlic powder enhances the Greek-inspired notes. The key is to let each ingredient shine without overpowering the others.

The butter and oil combination helps the gnocchi crisp while adding a warm, nutty undertone that complements the cheese.

Why This Recipe Works So Well for Busy Evenings

This one-pan wonder is the ultimate easy weeknight meal. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and still feels special.

Everything cooks in the same skillet, from the gnocchi to the spinach, making it a perfect choice when you’re short on time but craving a home-cooked dinner that feels indulgent.

Plus, gnocchi is a pantry-friendly staple. Keep a package of shelf-stable gnocchi in your cupboard and some frozen spinach in the freezer, and you’ll always have the makings of a comforting meal ready to go.

How to Serve Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

This dish is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Serve it with a crisp green salad, a glass of chilled white wine, or warm crusty bread for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.

You can also garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of dill for extra freshness.

If you’re feeling inspired, pair it with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a heartier spread. The flavours are so versatile that it easily complements almost anything.

Inspired by Spanakopita: A Greek Twist on Comfort Food

There’s a reason this recipe feels familiar yet fresh, it’s inspired by the flavours of spanakopita, the beloved Greek spinach pie.

Spinach, feta, dill, and mint are the same ingredients used in that classic dish, reimagined here in a quicker, pan fried form.

The result is a meal that carries all the Mediterranean charm of Greek feta and greens without the layers of phyllo pastry.

The best part? You can have that spanakopita essence in under half an hour. It’s like having your favorite Greek comfort food on a busy weeknight, no oven, no fuss, just pure flavour in one pan.

Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this spinach and feta gnocchi, there are plenty of other gnocchi recipes to try next.

Experiment with brown butter and sage for a cozy fall version, or a feta sauce with roasted cherry tomatoes for something summery and bright.

You can also make a creamy sauce with garlic and Parmesan for a more classic Italian feel.

Each type of gnocchi can take on a new personality depending on what you pair it with, whether that’s mushrooms, lemon, or herbs.

Once you learn how to pan fry gnocchi to perfection, it becomes a blank canvas for any mood or season.

1. Stir in crumbled feta, dill, oregano, and lemon juice to create a creamy sauce.
2. Add the gnocchi to the spinach mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper, adjust to taste, and serve warm.