Description
This Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe is a creamy, savory weeknight family delight combining soft potato dumplings with rich cream cheese, smoky salmon, and fresh herbs. Finished with a hint of white wine and a touch of spice, it’s a comforting and elegant dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 package gnocchi (soft potato dumplings that float when cooked)
Sauce and Flavorings
- 8 oz regular cream cheese (use brick-style for best melting)
- 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)
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups spinach (fresh, wilted before serving)
- 6 oz flaked smoked salmon (add last for texture)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, preparing the base for the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Then add minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits while simmering until the alcohol evaporates, creating a flavorful base.
- Cook Gnocchi: In a separate pot, boil water and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water for the sauce.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning into the pan. Gradually add reserved gnocchi water until you achieve a silky, smooth sauce consistency.
- Add Greens: Fold in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, incorporating freshness and color into the sauce.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Lower the heat and mix in cream cheese until fully melted and creamy, ensuring a rich texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently add the cooked gnocchi and smoked salmon to the pan, carefully mixing to distribute without breaking the gnocchi or salmon pieces.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately serve the gnocchi garnished with fresh parsley and chopped dill for an elegant touch and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Reserve gnocchi cooking water carefully; it helps make the sauce smooth and silky.
- Use brick-style cream cheese for best melting results and creaminess in the sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the gnocchi package is gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free gnocchi.
- Serve immediately after cooking for best texture; gnocchi can become soft if left to sit too long.
- Fresh dill and parsley elevate the freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
