Creamy Salmon Gnocchi

Name: Creamy Salmon Gnocchi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium shallot (finely diced); 2 large garlic cloves (finely chopped); ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; ⅓ cup dry white wine; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix; ¾ cup water; 3.5 ounces fresh spinach; 6.5 ounces cream cheese; 1 pound gnocchi; ½ pound hot smoked salmon; Salt and pepper to taste

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 11, 2025

Featured in: Main Dishes

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There is something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy salmon gnocchi after a long day. The tender gnocchi pillows enveloped in a sumptuous sauce, enriched with luscious cream cheese and vibrant spinach, make this dish a true delight for the senses.

Not only is it a satisfying meal, but it’s also quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes—making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something both nourishing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Uses cream cheese for a lighter yet creamy sauce alternative to heavy cream.
Combines delicate hot smoked salmon with fresh spinach and gnocchi for balanced flavors.
The red chilli flakes add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.

Ingredients

Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil to gently sauté aromatics while adding a subtle fruity richness.
Shallot: One medium shallot, finely diced, introduces a mild onion flavor that enhances the sauce’s depth.
Garlic Cloves: Two large garlic cloves, finely chopped, provide a fragrant base with a punch of savory aroma.
Red Chilli Flakes: A quarter teaspoon imparts a gentle heat to balance the creamy elements beautifully.
Dry White Wine: One-third cup (75 ml) adds acidity to brighten the sauce and helps deglaze the pan.
Tomato Paste: Two tablespoons deliver concentrated tomato flavor and a rich umami undertone.
Italian Seasoning Mix: One teaspoon of mixed Italian herbs adds classic Mediterranean herbs for layered flavor complexity.
Water: One cup (200 ml), used to simmer the sauce and loosen the tomato paste for a smooth consistency.
Fresh Spinach: 100 grams of fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition, wilting perfectly into the sauce.
Cream Cheese: 180 grams brings a luscious creamy texture with a tangy twist, making the dish lighter than using heavy cream.
Gnocchi: 500 grams of pillowy soft potato gnocchi serve as the tender, comforting base for the salmon and sauce.
Hot Smoked Salmon: 225 grams, flaked gently to preserve texture and layered smoky flavor into every bite.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors and seasoning the dish perfectly.

Instructions

Warm the Olive Oil and Sauté Shallot: Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat and sauté the finely diced shallot for 1-2 minutes until softened and translucent. This step gently draws out sweet onion flavors without browning.
Add Garlic and Chilli Flakes: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and red chilli flakes, cooking for an additional minute. This releases the garlic’s aroma and the chilli flakes add a subtle warming spice that complements the creamy sauce.
Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer until most of the alcohol evaporates, concentrating the bright acidic notes. This helps balance the richness of the cream cheese later on.
Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Incorporate Tomato Paste and Italian Seasoning: Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir with the Italian seasoning mix, allowing their flavors to blend over gentle heat, creating a fragrant and flavorful base.
Add Water and Simmer: Pour in 200 ml of water (optionally some reserved gnocchi cooking water) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This loosens the sauce and melds all ingredients smoothly.
Wilt Fresh Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until just wilted, adding vibrant color and a boost of nutrition to the dish without overwhelming the flavors.
Melt in Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated. This enriches the sauce with a creamy texture and a slight tang, making every mouthful decadent yet light.
Combine Gnocchi and Smoked Salmon: Fold the cooked gnocchi and flaked hot smoked salmon into the sauce carefully, ensuring even coating while preserving the delicate salmon texture.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Garnish optionally with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note.

You Must Know

Using cream cheese instead of heavy cream keeps the sauce lighter but still indulgent.
Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Fresh gnocchi cooks very fast; avoid overcooking to maintain pillowy texture.
Hot smoked salmon provides a smoky depth that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

Storage Tips

Store leftover creamy salmon gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to add freshness. A chilled glass of dry white wine also complements the smoky salmon and creamy flavors beautifully.

Professional Tips

Use cream cheese at room temperature for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
Fresh gnocchi is preferable for the best texture, but frozen works well too.
Gently fold the flaked salmon last to preserve its flaky texture and avoid breaking it down.
Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red chilli flakes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this dish?: Yes, frozen gnocchi works fine and should be cooked according to package instructions. Just be sure to avoid overcooking as it can become mushy.
What can I substitute for hot smoked salmon?: If you prefer, cold smoked salmon or cooked salmon fillets can be used, though the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese?: You can try a dairy-free cream cheese substitute or use coconut cream, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?: The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently, but it is best to cook and combine gnocchi and salmon just before serving for optimal texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?: Increase the amount of red chilli flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for more heat.
Can I add other vegetables?: Yes, mushrooms or cherry tomatoes work well when cooked with the spinach, adding extra texture and flavor.
What wine pairs best with this dish?: A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the smoky salmon and creamy sauce beautifully.