Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Salmon Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce and smoky salmon. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 75 ml (1/3 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 (1/2 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 diced shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chopped garlic and red chilli flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and cook 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 and stir well. Mix in the Italian seasoning and pour in 200 ml of water (you can use some of the gnocchi cooking water). Bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and let it wilt, simmering for 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the cream cheese until it fully melts into a creamy sauce.
6. Step 6: Allow the sauce to bubble gently for about a minute. Then add the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon to the pan, stirring to combine.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally topped with freshly chopped parsley for extra freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use some of the gnocchi cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Swap hot smoked salmon for cold smoked salmon or cooked fresh salmon for a different texture.
• Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.
• Include fresh herbs like dill or basil to enhance the dish’s freshness.

Storage

Store 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 needed. Avoid reheating salmon multiple times to maintain its texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Drain any excess water after thawing before adding it to the sauce to avoid thinning it too much.

What can I use if I don’t have gnocchi?

Pasta like penne or fusilli can be a good substitute. Cook according to package instructions and add to the creamy sauce as you would with gnocchi.

Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 70 reviews

This creamy salmon gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich and flavorful cream cheese sauce, enhanced by smoked salmon, spinach, and a delicate blend of Italian seasonings. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it features a quick stovetop preparation that melds fresh and pantry ingredients into a satisfying meal.

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

Ingredients

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Sauce Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 75 ml (1/3 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
• Salt and pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi
• 225 g (1/2 lb) hot smoked salmon

Instructions

1. Sauté shallot: 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 it softens and becomes translucent.
2. Add garlic and chilli flakes: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and red chilli flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine and cook until the alcohol mostly evaporates, enhancing the base flavor of the sauce.
3. Cook gnocchi: While the sauce base cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
4. Add tomato paste and seasoning: Mix the tomato paste into the pan with the shallots and garlic. Stir in the Italian seasoning mix, then pour in 200 ml of water (can be reserve gnocchi cooking water) and bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Cook spinach and melt cream cheese: Add the fresh spinach to the simmering sauce, allowing it to wilt over 2-3 minutes. Then, add the cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely, forming a creamy, smooth sauce.
6. Combine gnocchi and salmon: Let the sauce bubble gently for a minute to thicken slightly. Stir in the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the cream sauce.
7. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Using some of the gnocchi cooking water helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
• Hot smoked salmon adds a smoky depth; cold smoked salmon can be substituted but adjust quantity to taste.
• For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese and olive oil, but flavor profiles may differ slightly.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the gnocchi at its best texture and the sauce warm and creamy.
• Add freshly chopped parsley or lemon zest for a fresh aroma and brightness.

Keywords: creamy salmon gnocchi, gnocchi recipe, smoked salmon pasta, Italian gnocchi, creamy sauce recipe