Description
This Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe is a creamy, flavorful weeknight family dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare. Soft potato gnocchi are cooked to perfection and combined with a rich cream cheese sauce infused with shallots, garlic, white wine, and tomato paste. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant, healthy touch, while smoked salmon brings a delicate smoky flavor. Topped with fresh dill and parsley, this comforting dish blends elegance and homey warmth in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi (soft potato dumplings that float when cooked)
- 6 oz flaked smoked salmon
- 2 cups fresh spinach (wilted before serving)
- 8 oz regular cream cheese (brick-style for best melting)
For the Sauce and Flavoring
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium shallot (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 cup white wine (for deglazing)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (for umami richness)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (herbs blend)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Drizzle olive oil generously in a large pan and warm over medium heat to create the base for sautéing.
- Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped shallots to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for an extra minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze pan: Pour in white wine to deglaze, allowing it to simmer until the alcohol evaporates and the flavors concentrate.
- Cook gnocchi: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water for the sauce.
- Build the sauce: Stir tomato paste and Italian seasoning into the pan, then add reserved gnocchi water slowly to create a silky smooth sauce consistency.
- Add spinach: Fold fresh spinach into the sauce, cooking just until wilted to retain its nutrients and vibrant color.
- Melt cream cheese: Reduce the heat and incorporate cream cheese, stirring gently until it melts into a creamy sauce base.
- Combine gnocchi and salmon: Gently mix in the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon, combining carefully to avoid breaking the delicate gnocchi.
- Finish and serve: Serve the dish immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and chopped dill to add an herbal brightness.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the red chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use brick-style cream cheese for a smoother sauce that melts better.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce texture and silkiness.
- Use fresh herbs like dill and parsley to brighten the dish right before serving.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; watch closely to ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy.
- Substitute white wine with vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol, though this will alter flavor.
