There’s something utterly comforting about a plate of creamy, tender gnocchi on a busy weeknight. This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi brings together the soft pillowy texture of homemade potato dumplings and the rich flavors of smoked salmon, all enveloped in a luscious dill sauce that practically sings with freshness. As I prepared this dish one evening, the tantalizing smell of shallots and garlic simmering in olive oil filled my kitchen, transporting me back to moments spent around the dinner table with family and friends.
In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that is both satisfying and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to break free from the fast-food routine. Not only does this recipe shine on its own, but it also allows for endless customization—whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself to a quiet dinner at home. Dive into this delightful dish, and discover how the harmonious flavors and creamy textures can quickly transform any ordinary night into a flavorful feast!
Why is Smoked Salmon Gnocchi so irresistible?
Comforting Delight: This dish combines the heartiness of gnocchi with the luxurious taste of smoked salmon, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet is simple to make.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, helping you transition away from fast food effortlessly.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adapt it to your taste with different proteins or greens, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table.
Creamy Texture: The dreamy dill sauce perfectly envelops the gnocchi, providing a rich, comforting experience with every bite.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful dish, making it a staple for family dinners.
Discover more variations with helpful tips to elevate your home cooking experience!
Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
• Gnocchi – Soft potato dumplings that serve as the perfect base; cook until they float for best texture.
For the Sauce
• Regular Cream Cheese – Provides a velvety and creamy texture; stick with brick-style for the smoothest melt.
• Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing; it adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Shallots – Adds a touch of sweetness; sautéing them brings out their natural flavors.
• Garlic – Enhances the aroma and flavor, making the dish beautifully fragrant.
• Red Chili Flakes – A touch of heat; add according to your preference for a little kick.
• White Wine – Infuses the sauce, cooking off alcohol for a deeper flavor.
• Tomato Paste – Contributes umami richness; perfect for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning – Adds herbal depth; it rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
• Spinach – For added nutrition and color; simply wilt it in the sauce before serving.
• Flaked Smoked Salmon – The star of the show—adds a delicious smoky flavor; add it at the end for perfect texture.
• Fresh Dill – Brightens the dish and enhances the creamy flavor of the sauce.
• Parsley (for garnish) – Optional, but adds a fresh burst of color; sprinkle just before serving.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Gnocchi
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Heat Olive Oil: Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. This sets the stage for the flavorful base of your sauce.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped shallots to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become translucent. Then, toss in minced garlic and red chili flakes, and cook for another minute for that aromatic bliss.
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Deglaze with Wine: Pour in a splash of white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates, enriching the sauce with deeper flavors.
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Cook Gnocchi: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain well, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
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Mix in Saucy Goodness: Stir in a dollop of tomato paste and Italian seasoning to the sautéed mixture. Add reserved gnocchi water bit by bit until you achieve a silky sauce.
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Add Spinach: Gently fold in fresh spinach, cooking until just wilted. This adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
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Incorporate Cream Cheese: Lower the heat and mix in regular cream cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Patience is key here!
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Combine Gnocchi & Salmon: Gently add the cooked gnocchi and flaked smoked salmon to the sauce, mixing carefully to coat without breaking the dumplings. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your luscious Smoked Salmon Gnocchi immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Optional: Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Smoked Salmon Gnocchi are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy dill sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep its rich flavor intact. Additionally, cook the gnocchi ahead of time and toss them lightly in olive oil to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce in a pan over low heat, add the reserved gnocchi, and fold in flaked smoked salmon just before serving to ensure it remains tender and not overcooked. This not only saves you precious time on busy weeknights but also guarantees delicious, restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Smoked Salmon Gnocchi
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Fridge: Store leftover Smoked Salmon Gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and texture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the gnocchi (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water until heated through.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the creamy sauce a day in advance and store it; just reheat and combine with fresh gnocchi to save time on busy nights.
Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Variations
Add your personal touch to this dish and make it truly your own!
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Protein Swap: Replace smoked salmon with cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a delightful twist.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute regular cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
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Veggie Boost: Incorporate other greens like kale or arugula to enhance nutrition and add a pop of color.
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Zesty Lemon: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavors and elevate your sauce.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like chives or basil instead of dill for a different aromatic experience.
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Spicy Kick: For extra heat, include chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture.
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast and delicious nuttiness.
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Sauce Variations: Try using mascarpone or crème fraîche instead of cream cheese for a richer, Italian-inspired sauce.
What to Serve with Smoked Salmon Gnocchi?
Creating a complete meal is easy when you know the perfect pairings to elevate your dining experience.
- Arugula Salad: A simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the gnocchi beautifully, adding freshness to each bite.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Deliciously crunchy and buttery, these breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making them hard to resist!
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil and lemon zest adds a colorful side that complements the meal’s flavors and contributes extra nutrients.
- Bruschetta: Light and refreshing, these toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil serve as a delightful appetizer to start your meal.
Imagine sharing this meal with loved ones, laughter filling the air as you enjoy perfectly paired sides that transform dinner into a flavorful gathering.
- White Wine: Crisp and refreshing, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc perfectly matches the smoky flavors of the salmon and the creamy sauce.
- Lemon Sorbet: Light and invigorating, this dessert offers a sweet-tart finish to your meal, refreshing the palate effortlessly.
Expert Tips for Smoked Salmon Gnocchi
- Perfect Gnocchi Texture: Remove them from boiling water as soon as they float to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their delightful texture.
- Salmon at the End: Incorporate flaked smoked salmon at the end of the cooking process to maintain its delicate texture and rich flavor.
- Sauce Consistency Magic: Reserve a bit of pasta water; using it will help adjust the sauce to your desired creaminess and consistency.
- Cream Cheese Caution: When adding cream cheese, keep heat low and be patient to avoid lumps for that silky smooth sauce you crave.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different proteins or greens to make this Smoked Salmon Gnocchi recipe your own!
Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe FAQs
What type of gnocchi should I use for the best texture?
Absolutely! For the best texture, I recommend using store-bought soft potato gnocchi, which are easily available. When cooking, ensure they float to the surface of boiling water—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This floating action indicates they’re perfectly cooked and tender!
How should I store leftover Smoked Salmon Gnocchi?
Very! To keep your Smoked Salmon Gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which can affect the texture.
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Can I freeze Smoked Salmon Gnocchi?
Definitely! For freezing, you should freeze the gnocchi without sauce. Place the cooked gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can stay safe for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just cook them from frozen in boiling water until they float again!
What if my sauce is too thick when making Smoked Salmon Gnocchi?
No worries! If your sauce ends up too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starch from the water will help create a silky sauce without altering the flavor too much. Remember to keep the heat low while stirring!
Is this recipe safe for my pets or anyone with allergies?
Be mindful! This Smoked Salmon Gnocchi contains several allergens such as cream cheese and gluten from the gnocchi. Additionally, while salmon is fine for dogs in moderation, it’s best to keep it away from pets if the dish contains garlic or onion, which are harmful to them. Always check with a health professional if you have any allergy concerns!
Smoked Salmon Gnocchi: A Creamy Weeknight Family Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, simmering until the alcohol evaporates.
- In a separate pot, boil water and cook the gnocchi until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning, adding reserved gnocchi water until you achieve a silky sauce.
- Fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Lower heat and mix in cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Gently add the cooked gnocchi and smoked salmon, mixing carefully.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
