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Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

4.7 from 55 reviews

This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich and creamy tomato and spinach sauce infused with garlic, shallots, and Italian herbs. Finished with succulent smoked salmon and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper, it’s a quick and elegant meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 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

Primary Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, cooking for another minute to release their aromatic flavors.
  2. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour the dry white wine into the pan, allowing it to simmer until most of the alcohol evaporates. This step infuses the sauce with rich depth without the harshness of alcohol.
  3. Cook the Gnocchi: While preparing the sauce, bring a separate pot of water to a boil, and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside, reserving some cooking water to potentially loosen the sauce later.
  4. Build the Base of the Sauce: Return to the sauté pan, add the concentrated tomato puree, and stir in the Italian herb blend. Pour in the water (including reserved gnocchi cooking water if desired) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
  5. Incorporate Spinach and Cream Cheese: Add the fresh spinach to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to fully melt into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Let the sauce bubble gently for a minute to combine well.
  6. Combine Gnocchi and Salmon: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon into the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper to your preference.
  • Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • Use hot smoked salmon for a more pronounced smoky flavor; cold smoked salmon can be substituted but will alter the taste.
  • If cream cheese is unavailable, mascarpone or a mild cream cheese alternative can work as a substitute.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Keywords: Smoked Salmon Gnocchi, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Spinach Gnocchi, Italian Dinner, Quick Gnocchi Recipe