Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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