Description
Creamy Salmon Gnocchi is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring pan-sautéed shallots and garlic in a flavorful tomato and cream cheese sauce, combined with tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and smoky hot smoked salmon. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect balance of rich creaminess and delicate seafood flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes
- 75 ml (1/3 cup) broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- 200 ml (1 cup) water (can use pasta cooking water)
Vegetables and Dairy
- 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach
- 180 g (6.5 oz) cream cheese
Main Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi
- 225 g (1/2 lb) hot smoked salmon, flaked
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: 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 translucent.
- Add Garlic and Chilli Flakes: Stir in the chopped garlic and red chilli flakes, cooking for another minute to release their flavors. Then add the broth and cook until most of the liquid evaporates, intensifying the flavor base.
- Cook Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning mix, then pour in 200 ml of water (using some of the gnocchi cooking water is ideal). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Wilt Spinach and Incorporate Cream Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Next, add the cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts fully into a creamy sauce.
- Combine and Heat Through: Allow the sauce to bubble gently for a minute, then fold in the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon, heating everything through evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Using some of the gnocchi cooking water to thin the sauce helps it cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Hot smoked salmon adds a smoky depth without overpowering the dish – avoid raw salmon for this recipe.
- Feel free to substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or crème fraîche for a different creamy texture.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chilli flakes according to taste.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh as the sauce may thicken upon standing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
