Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Salmon Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and smoky salmon for a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

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 and sauté the shallot for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Stir in the garlic and red chilli flakes and cook for another minute. Add the white wine and let it 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.
4. Step 4: Add the tomato paste to the pan with the shallots, then stir in the Italian seasoning mix. Pour in 200 ml of water (you may use some of the gnocchi cooking water) and bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Stir in the spinach and simmer for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Then add the cream cheese and stir until it melts completely, forming a creamy sauce.
6. Step 6: Allow the sauce to bubble for a minute, then add the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon. Stir gently to combine.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally topped with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use reserved gnocchi cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Swap hot smoked salmon for cold smoked salmon or cooked fresh salmon if preferred.
• Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for a richer sauce.

Storage

Store any 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, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream cheese from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce to avoid excess liquid.

What can I serve with creamy salmon gnocchi?

This dish is filling on its own but pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance.

Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Salmon Gnocchi dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a luscious cream cheese and tomato sauce with hot smoked salmon, spinach, and a hint of Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sauce and Base

• 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 Shallots: 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 softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Chili: Stir in the chopped garlic and red chilli flakes. Continue cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine and cook until the alcohol mostly evaporates, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Cook Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare Sauce Base: Add the tomato paste to the pan with the shallots and garlic, stirring to combine. Mix in the Italian seasoning and pour in 200 ml of water (using some of the gnocchi cooking water is fine). Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Wilt Spinach and Melt Cheese: Stir the fresh spinach into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Add the cream cheese, stirring continuously until it fully melts into a creamy sauce.
6. Combine Gnocchi and Salmon: Allow the sauce to bubble gently for about a minute. Then, add the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
7. Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Use some of the gnocchi cooking water in the sauce to help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• If hot smoked salmon is unavailable, cold smoked salmon can be used but add it off heat to avoid overcooking.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
• Adjust the red chilli flakes amount to control the heat level.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.

Keywords: Creamy salmon gnocchi, smoked salmon recipe, easy gnocchi dish, Italian gnocchi, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta alternative