Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender gnocchi, smoky salmon, and a creamy tomato-spinach sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both special and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (75 ml)
• 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
• 1 cup water (200 ml)
• 100 g fresh spinach leaves (3.5 oz)
• 180 g cream cheese
• Cooked gnocchi (quantity as per package instructions)
• Hot smoked salmon, flaked (quantity to your preference)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for another minute to release their aromas.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine and cook until most of the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a rich depth of flavor.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some cooking water if needed for the sauce.
4. Step 4: Return the pan to the stove and stir in the tomato puree and Italian herb blend. Add 200 ml of water (or some reserved gnocchi water) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the cream cheese and allow it to melt completely, letting the sauce bubble gently for about a minute.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon, coating everything evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use the reserved gnocchi cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors and complement the smoked salmon.
• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times as they may be slightly longer than fresh gnocchi.

What type of smoked salmon works best?

Hot smoked salmon works best here as it flakes nicely and adds a warm, smoky flavor. Cold smoked salmon could be used but may alter the texture and overall taste.

Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe features tender gnocchi tossed in a creamy tomato and spinach sauce, enhanced with the smoky richness of hot smoked salmon. With aromatic shallots, garlic, and a splash of white wine, this comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or elegant dinner.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Gnocchi

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (75 ml)
• 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
• 1 cup water (200 ml)
• 100 g fresh spinach leaves (3.5 oz)
• 180 g cream cheese

Main

• Gnocchi (quantity not specified on package instructions, approximately 500 g recommended)
• Hot smoked salmon, flaked (approximately 150-200 g)
• Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromatic flavors.
2. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to simmer until the alcohol mostly evaporates, which enhances the depth of flavor without the harshness of alcohol.
3. Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce base is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and reserve some of the cooking water for later use in the sauce if needed.
4. Build the Base of the Sauce: Return to the sauté pan and stir in the concentrated tomato puree along with the Italian herb blend. Pour in 200 ml of water (using some reserved gnocchi cooking water if desired) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Incorporate Spinach and Cream Cheese: Add fresh spinach leaves to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Then stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Let the sauce bubble gently for another minute.
6. Combine Gnocchi and Salmon: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon into the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color if desired.

Notes

• Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Use hot smoked salmon for best flavor; cold smoked salmon will not have the same texture or smokiness.
• If cream cheese is not available, mascarpone or crème fraîche can be substituted for a similar creamy texture.
• For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper quantity to taste.
• This dish is best enjoyed immediately as the gnocchi may become soggy if left sitting too long.

Keywords: smoked salmon gnocchi, creamy gnocchi recipe, stovetop gnocchi, quick dinner, Italian-inspired pasta, spinach cream sauce, smoked fish pasta