Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi in Creamy Spinach Tomato Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This juicy smoked salmon gnocchi recipe combines delicate flavors with a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it highlights tender gnocchi and smoky salmon in a vibrant, easy-to-make dish.
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
- 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 minced garlic and crushed red pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas.
- Step 2: Pour the white wine into the pan and cook until the alcohol mostly evaporates, allowing the flavors to deepen without the harshness of alcohol.
- Step 3: While the sauce cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Step 4: Return to the pan and stir in the tomato puree and Italian herbs. Add about 200 ml of water, using some reserved gnocchi water if desired, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Add fresh spinach to the simmering sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese until it fully melts, creating a smooth and creamy base. Let the sauce bubble gently for one more minute.
- Step 6: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon into the sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor and texture.
- Use smoked trout or salmon trout for an alternative smoky fish option.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved gnocchi cooking water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the cream cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream 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 works well. Just cook according to the package instructions and add it to the sauce as directed.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
You can substitute the white wine with extra water or vegetable broth for flavor, but keep in mind the wine adds a unique depth to the sauce.
PrintJuicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi in Creamy Spinach Tomato Sauce Recipe
This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with a creamy, flavorful spinach and cream cheese sauce infused with white wine, garlic, shallots, and Italian herbs. The addition of hot smoked salmon adds a rich, smoky depth making it a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce 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 full-fat cream cheese
Main Dish Ingredients
- 200 g hot smoked salmon (flaked)
- 500 g gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromatic flavors.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Pour the dry white wine into the pan and let it cook down until the alcohol mostly evaporates, infusing the base with depth and richness without the harshness of alcohol.
- Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce aromatics are cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once tender, drain the gnocchi and set aside. Reserve some cooking water for potential use in the sauce if needed.
- Build the Base of the Sauce: Return to the sauté pan and add the tomato puree and Italian herbs. Stir well to combine. Pour in 200 ml of water (using reserved gnocchi water if desired) and bring to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cream Cheese: Add fresh spinach to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Then fold in the cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a creamy, smooth sauce. Let it bubble gently for another minute to ensure everything is well blended.
- Combine Gnocchi and Salmon: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon into the creamy sauce, coating everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately garnished with the chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest sauce texture and flavor.
- Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Hot smoked salmon delivers a smoky flavor without needing to cook the fish further.
- Add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness to the dish.
Keywords: smoked salmon gnocchi, creamy gnocchi recipe, Italian gnocchi with salmon, smoked fish pasta, easy gnocchi dinner
