Name: Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium shallot, minced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/3 cup dry white wine (75 ml); 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree; 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend; 1 cup water (200 ml); 100 g fresh spinach leaves (3.5 oz); 180 g cream cheese; Cooked gnocchi (about 250 g or 9 oz from package as per cooking instructions); Hot smoked salmon, flaked (estimated 150 g or 5.3 oz); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with a creamy, flavorful sauce featuring smoked salmon and fresh spinach. It’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with soft gnocchi covered in a thick, creamy light beige sauce with specks of red chili flakes scattered on top. Mixed in are chunky pieces of pink cooked salmon, surrounded by small green fresh parsley leaves that add color contrast. The gnocchi pieces are plump and slightly shiny from the sauce, arranged closely together in the bowl. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium shallot, minced
2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/3 cup dry white wine (75 ml)
2 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
1 cup water (200 ml)
100 g fresh spinach leaves (3.5 oz)
180 g cream cheese
Cooked gnocchi (quantity as per package instructions)
Hot smoked salmon, flaked (quantity to preference)
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Pour in the white wine and allow it to cook until the alcohol mostly evaporates, intensifying the flavors.
Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some cooking water if needed.
Step 4: Return to the pan and add tomato puree and Italian herb blend. Stir well, then pour in 200 ml of water (use reserved gnocchi water if preferred) and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the simmering sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt completely, allowing the sauce to bubble gently for a minute.
Step 6: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon into the sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use reserved gnocchi cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream with the cream cheese.
Substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
Use cold smoked salmon if hot smoked is not available, adding it just before serving.

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 as needed. Gnocchi can become firmer after refrigeration, so warm slowly to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy gnocchi covered in a thick, smooth, light orange sauce, with soft, round gnocchi pieces evenly coated. Scattered on top are small, tender cubes of cooked salmon with a light pink color and flaky texture. Green parsley leaves are sprinkled throughout, adding a fresh contrast, and tiny red chili flakes are spread over the dish, giving a hint of spice. The dish looks rich and comforting, with the sauce gently pooling around the gnocchi and salmon. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Cook it according to package instructions and proceed with the sauce. Fresh gnocchi will yield the best texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

You can use mascarpone, ricotta, or a soft goat cheese for a different flavor profile. These will also create a creamy texture in the sauce, though the taste may slightly vary.