Juicy 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
