Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi: A Creamy Weeknight Delight

If you’ve been searching for a quick, elegant pasta dish that feels restaurant-quality yet comes together in under 30 minutes, your search ends here. This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi combines pillowy potato gnocchi with rich, smoky salmon and a luscious cream cheese-based sauce. Topped with fresh spinach, Italian herbs, and a hint of chili, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish balances creamy textures with fresh, vibrant flavors. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an ideal recipe for lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Gnocchi

Here are just a few reasons to make this dish your new weeknight hero:

• Quick preparation: Ready in 25–40 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Restaurant-quality at home: The combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese creates a rich, satisfying sauce.
• Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples make this recipe stress-free.
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup; everything cooks in a single pan.
• Family-friendly: The creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and smoky salmon are sure to please everyone.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people, and all ingredients are measured precisely for best results.

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or similar)
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 3.5 oz fresh spinach
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 180 g (about 6.3 oz) cream cheese, full-fat

For the Main Dish:

• 200 g hot smoked salmon, flaked
• 500 g gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan for boiling gnocchi
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander to drain gnocchi

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed, foolproof method to make Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and crushed red pepper, cooking for another minute to release the aromas.

Step 2: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in 1/3 cup white wine and allow it to simmer until most of the alcohol evaporates. This step deepens the flavor without overpowering the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook 500 g gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes, until they float). Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water—it will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 4: Build the Base of the Sauce

Add 2 tablespoons tomato puree and 1 teaspoon Italian herbs to the pan. Pour in 200 ml water (use some reserved gnocchi water if desired) and bring to a gentle simmer. This creates a flavorful, lightly acidic base for the cream sauce.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Cream Cheese

Add 3.5 oz fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in 180 g cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Stir gently for 1 minute to ensure a smooth, silky texture.

Step 6: Combine Gnocchi and Salmon

Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon, coating each piece with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more herbs if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for color and freshness. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the gnocchi, with tender salmon pieces adding smokiness and richness.

Tips & Variations

• Shallot substitution: Use 1/4 small yellow or red onion if you don’t have shallots.
• No white wine? Replace with chicken or vegetable broth and a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.
• Alternative cheese: Mascarpone or a mix of goat cheese and heavy cream works well.
• Spinach swaps: Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), arugula, or baby kale are great alternatives.
• Italian herbs: Out of Italian seasoning? Combine dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or use any single herb you have.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking gnocchi: Remove as soon as they float to avoid mushy dumplings.
• Adding salmon too early: Fold it in last to preserve its delicate texture.
• Rushing cream cheese incorporation: Stir constantly over low heat for a smooth sauce.
• Skipping pasta water: Always reserve some cooking water to adjust sauce consistency.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish balances creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors:

• Texture: Pillowy gnocchi, tender spinach, and flaked salmon.
• Flavor: Rich and creamy with subtle smokiness from the salmon and mild heat from red pepper.
• Side dishes: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans complement the richness. Light appetizers like bruschetta or a simple antipasto platter are perfect for dinner parties.

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	600–700 kcal
Protein	12–15 g
Fat	50–60 g
Carbohydrates	15–20 g

Dietary notes: Contains dairy and fish. Can be adapted with vegan cream cheese or gluten-free gnocchi.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make-ahead: Prepare the cream sauce a day in advance. Reheat gently before adding fresh gnocchi, salmon, and spinach.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens. Avoid overheating to prevent tough salmon or separated sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use cold smoked salmon instead of hot?
Yes, but fold it in at the end to warm gently. Hot smoked salmon has more intense flavor and cooks slightly in the sauce.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi. Ensure tomato puree and seasonings are gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze cooked gnocchi and sauce separately. Thaw and gently reheat before serving.

4. Can I use another leafy green?
Yes, arugula, kale, or Swiss chard can replace spinach.

5. How do I prevent sauce lumps?
Use room-temperature cream cheese and stir gently over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water if necessary.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Aromatics & Sauce Ingredients	5–10 mins
Cook Gnocchi	2–3 mins
Build Sauce Base	5 mins
Incorporate Spinach & Cream Cheese	3–5 mins
Combine Gnocchi & Salmon	2–3 mins
Total	25–40 mins

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately with fresh parsley garnish.
• Pair with light, citrusy sides like a lemon arugula salad or steamed vegetables.
• For dinner parties, start with light antipasto or bruschetta.

Recipe Variations

1. Mascarpone Version: Replace cream cheese with mascarpone for richer creaminess.
2. Spicy Smoked Salmon: Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika.
3. Vegetable Boost: Add peas, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
4. Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked Salmon

Hot smoked salmon adds delicate smokiness and a rich flavor without overpowering the sauce. Choose quality, sustainably sourced salmon when possible.

Gnocchi

Soft potato gnocchi is key for this dish. Fresh or store-bought works, but cook briefly and gently fold into the sauce to maintain texture.

Cream Cheese

Full-fat block-style cream cheese ensures a smooth, silky sauce. Avoid whipped or low-fat versions to prevent separation or graininess.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Fold salmon in last to preserve texture.
• Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Use gentle heat when melting cream cheese for a lump-free sauce.
• Serve immediately for best flavor and texture; reheated leftovers may need a splash of cream.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Store sauce and gnocchi separately. Thaw in fridge, reheat gently.
• Reheating: Low heat on stovetop with added cream if needed. Avoid overcooking salmon.

Expanded Conclusion

Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi is a weeknight hero—quick, creamy, and indulgent. With tender gnocchi, rich cream cheese sauce, and smoky salmon, it’s a meal that impresses without stress. Serve fresh for best flavor, and enjoy leftovers carefully reheated for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and elegance, and it’s bound to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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