Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Salmon Gnocchi is a delightful dish that combines tender gnocchi with a rich, flavorful sauce featuring hot smoked salmon and fresh spinach. This comforting meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 200 ml (1 cup) water
• 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach
• 180 g (6.5 oz) cream cheese
• 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi
• 225 g (½ lb) hot smoked salmon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in the garlic and red chilli flakes, cooking for an additional minute. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer until most of the alcohol evaporates.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the tomato paste to the pan with the shallots, then stir in the Italian seasoning mix. Pour in 200 ml of water (using some of the gnocchi cooking water is ideal) and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Step 6: Let the sauce bubble gently for one minute, then fold in the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a splash of cream or substitute cream cheese with mascarpone.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chilli flakes.
• Fresh herbs like dill or chives complement smoked salmon beautifully—try them as a garnish.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Storage

Store any 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 cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular salmon instead of smoked salmon?

Yes, but the flavor will be milder. You can cook fresh salmon separately and flake it into the sauce, or briefly pan-sear it before adding.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?

While white wine adds depth, you can substitute it with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.

Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 77 reviews

Creamy Salmon Gnocchi is a luscious one-pan Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy gnocchi tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, fresh spinach, and flavorful smoked salmon. Enhanced with shallots, garlic, a hint of red chili flakes, and white wine, this comforting meal is perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 200 ml (1 cup) water
• 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach
• 180 g (6.5 oz) cream cheese
• 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi
• 225 g (½ lb) hot smoked salmon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the chopped garlic and red chilli flakes, cooking for another minute to release their aroma.
3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry white wine and allow the mixture to cook until most of the alcohol evaporates and the liquid reduces slightly.
4. Cook gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.
5. Build the sauce base: Add the tomato paste to the pan with the aromatics, stirring well. Then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning mix and pour in 200 ml of water (can use some of the gnocchi cooking water). Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Wilt spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts and integrates into the sauce.
7. Add cream cheese: Add the cream cheese to the pan, stirring continuously until it melts thoroughly, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
8. Combine and finish: Allow the sauce to bubble gently for about a minute, then fold in the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
9. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

• Using hot smoked salmon adds a delicious depth of smoky flavor; cold smoked or fresh salmon can be used but will alter the taste.
• Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• For a spicier dish, increase the red chilli flakes according to your heat preference.
• This recipe is best served immediately to enjoy the creaminess and texture of gnocchi at its peak.
• To make it gluten-free, use gnocchi made from gluten-free ingredients.

Keywords: Creamy Salmon Gnocchi, Italian Gnocchi, Smoked Salmon Recipe, Cream Cheese Sauce, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal