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Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

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4 from 1 review

This creamy salmon gnocchi recipe is a quick and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features tender gnocchi cooked to perfection, enveloped in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, spinach, tomato paste, and smoked salmon. Aromatics like shallot, garlic, and chili flakes add depth and a hint of spice, while fresh parsley brings a vibrant finish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this flavorful meal combines ease with elegance.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium shallot, finely diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 75 ml (⅓ cup) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
  • 200 ml (1 cup) water (can use gnocchi cooking water)
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach
  • 180 g (6.5 oz) cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi
  • 225 g (½ lb) hot smoked salmon, flaked

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant, laying the foundation for your sauce.
  2. Build the sauce base: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another minute to release their flavors. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to concentrate the taste.
  3. Cook the gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Reserve some of the cooking water before draining to use in the sauce if needed.
  4. Add tomato paste and seasonings: Incorporate the tomato paste into the pan and stir well, followed by the Italian seasoning mix. Pour in 200 ml (1 cup) water, optionally replacing part of it with reserved gnocchi water to adjust consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add spinach and cream cheese: Stir fresh spinach into the sauce and allow it to wilt for 2–3 minutes. Then add the cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine everything: Let the sauce bubble gently for about a minute to thicken slightly. Stir in the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon, ensuring everything is well coated and heated through.
  7. Serve: Season the creamy salmon gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Using gnocchi cooking water in the sauce can help adjust thickness and add a bit of starch for creaminess.
  • Hot smoked salmon adds a smoky flavor; if unavailable, cold smoked salmon or cooked salmon can be substituted but with less smoky intensity.
  • For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with a reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but add it off heat to prevent curdling.
  • This dish is best served immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
  • Italian seasoning is a mix typically containing basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/creamy-salmon-gnocchi-recipe/