Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi is a delightful combination of tender gnocchi, rich cream cheese sauce, fresh spinach, and flavorful hot smoked salmon. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 3.5 oz fresh spinach
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium shallot (finely chopped)
• 180 g cream cheese (full-fat for richness)
• 200 g hot smoked salmon (flaked)
• 500 g gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 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 the aromas.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine and let it cook until most of the alcohol evaporates, adding a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain them and set aside, reserving some cooking water if desired.
4. Step 4: Add tomato puree and Italian herbs to the sauté pan. Stir well, then pour in 200 ml of water (using some reserved gnocchi water if you like) and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Let it bubble gently for a minute.
6. Step 6: Fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon into the sauce gently, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of the reserved gnocchi cooking water when stirring in the cream cheese.
• Use fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the crushed red pepper or reduce the amount.
• Try using smoked trout or cooked shrimp as an alternative to smoked salmon.

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 little water or cream if the sauce has thickened. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon?

Fresh salmon can be used but will need to be cooked separately before adding it to the sauce. Smoked salmon adds a unique flavor that fresh salmon won’t replicate exactly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use olive oil or a non-dairy cream to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.

Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 87 reviews

This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy tomato and spinach sauce infused with white wine and Italian herbs. Flaked hot smoked salmon adds a smoky depth, while fresh parsley finishes the dish with vibrant color and freshness. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful pasta alternative.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 3.5 oz fresh spinach
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium shallot (finely chopped)
• 180 g cream cheese (full-fat for richness)

For the Main Dish:

• 200 g hot smoked salmon (flaked)
• 500 g gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute to release their aromatic flavors.
2. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to cook until most of the alcohol evaporates. This step infuses the base with rich depth without the harshness of alcohol.
3. Cook the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi well and set aside, reserving some of the cooking water for later use if needed.
4. Build the Base of the Sauce: Return to the sauté pan and add the tomato puree along with Italian herbs to the aromatic mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. Pour in 200 ml of water (using the reserved gnocchi cooking water if preferred) and bring to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
5. Incorporate Spinach and Cream Cheese: Add fresh spinach to the simmering sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Then stir in the full-fat cream cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce, creating a creamy, rich texture. Let the sauce bubble gently for another minute to blend.
6. Combine Gnocchi and Salmon: Fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon gently into the sauce, ensuring even coating. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
• Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.
• Hot smoked salmon adds a distinct smoky flavor, but cold smoked salmon can be substituted if preferred, though texture and flavor will differ.
• Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for desired heat level.
• Serve immediately for best texture; gnocchi can become soggy if left sitting in the sauce too long.

Keywords: smoked salmon gnocchi, creamy tomato gnocchi, Italian gnocchi recipe, seafood pasta alternative, quick dinner, spinach cream sauce, easy gnocchi meal