Description
This irresistible juicy smoked salmon gnocchi recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, featuring pillowy gnocchi cooked to perfection and tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce with cream cheese, fresh spinach, and flaked smoked salmon. A hint of red chili flakes and white wine adds depth, making this quick and elegant dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces gnocchi (fresh or frozen for best texture)
- 6 ounces smoked salmon (flaked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (regular block-style for rich sauce)
- 2 cups spinach (fresh)
For the Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium shallot (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (for a hint of heat)
- 0.5 cups white wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 200 ml reserved pasta water (from cooking gnocchi)
- To taste salt
- To taste pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (adds bright flavor)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pan, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing aromatics.
- Sauté Shallot: Add 1 finely chopped shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, building flavor base.
- Add Garlic and Chili Flakes: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine and stir occasionally; simmer until most of the alcohol evaporates to concentrate flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Reserve 200 ml of the pasta water before draining.
- Add Tomato Paste and Italian Seasoning: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning into the pan to enrich the sauce.
- Simmer with Pasta Water: Gradually add the reserved 200 ml pasta water, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
- Incorporate Spinach: Toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted to add freshness and color.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Mix in 8 ounces of cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully combined to create a creamy texture.
- Combine Gnocchi and Salmon: Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi and 6 ounces of flaked smoked salmon, ensuring everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of fresh dill and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen gnocchi for best texture and quick cooking.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps to loosen and enrich the sauce.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
- The white wine cooking process removes most alcohol but keeps the flavor intensity.
- Fresh dill added at the end brightens the flavor but can be substituted with parsley.
- Do not overcook the spinach to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
