Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta: A Gluten-Free Italian Comfort
This article explores how to make a comforting, restaurant-quality Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta at home while keeping it gluten-free and true to Italian flavors. I’ll share the story behind the dish, practical tips for perfect texture, a simple ingredient list, and foolproof cooking steps. If you enjoy bright, savory meals, you might also like my gluten-free egg muffins with spinach and feta, which capture similar flavors in a portable form. Read on for a nostalgic, practical approach that keeps food joyful and nourishing.
PART 1: Why Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Feels Like Home
A Tuscan Memory: Gnocchi and Family Dinners
I grew up watching Nonna roll gnocchi on the wooden board while counting out laughter between folds of dough. That memory shaped how I think about Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta: it’s not just a plate, it’s a moment you can taste. When I first tried to recreate those textures without gluten, I worried I’d lose the pillowy bite that makes gnocchi so comforting. But I learned to focus on hydration, the right binders, and gentle handling. Today, every forkful reminds me of that tiny kitchen and the warm light through the window.
Turning Classic Gnocchi into a Gluten-Free Favorite
To make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta work gluten-free, I swapped flours and adjusted water slowly. The key is testing small batches until the dough feels tender but not sticky. For the sauce, feta brings briny tang that plays beautifully with spinach and cream, and it helps balance the mild gnocchi. I often pair this dish with simple sides—like my hidden-veggies gluten-free mac and cheese with hidden veggies—to round out the meal for picky eaters. Also, a bright green drink such as my fat-burning green smoothie with spinach and lemon works great before heavier courses. With a few small adjustments, Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta stays true to tradition while fitting a gluten-free lifestyle.
Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- 2 cups gluten-free flour Adjust as necessary based on dough consistency
- 1 cup water Add gradually, testing for tenderness
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream For a rich and creamy texture
- 1 cup feta cheese Crumbled, for tanginess
- 2 cups fresh spinach Wilting in the sauce adds depth
Instructions
Prepare the Gnocchi
- In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead gently until the dough is smooth but not sticky, then roll into small pieces or shapes.
Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the gnocchi, cooking until they float to the surface.
- Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In a skillet, heat the heavy cream over medium heat.
- Add the crumbled feta and stir until melted and combined.
- Fold in the spinach and cook until wilted, then add in the cooked gnocchi.
Serve
- Toss everything together gently and serve warm.