Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe is a quick and elegant weeknight meal that transforms humble gnocchi into a restaurant-quality experience with a creamy, flavorful sauce and smoky fish. This recipe is incredibly useful for busy cooks seeking a delicious yet effortless dinner solution.
Key Ingredients for Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe
- 1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi
- 8 ounces smoked salmon, flaked into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying gnocchi, optional)
How to Make Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe
This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe is a triumph of simplicity and flavor, ready in under 30 minutes. The pillowy gnocchi, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with the rich essence of smoked salmon, makes for a truly satisfying meal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a decadent dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, typically until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain the gnocchi, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. For an extra delightful texture, you can optionally pan-fry the cooked gnocchi in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until lightly golden on a few sides, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Incorporate the Smoked Salmon and Herbs: Gently fold in the flaked smoked salmon, chopped dill, and chopped chives. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, allowing the salmon to warm through and its smoky flavor to infuse the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.
- Add Lemon and Season: Stir in the lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that smoked salmon is already salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
- Combine with Gnocchi: Add the cooked and drained (or pan-fried) gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe among serving bowls. Garnish with extra chopped dill, chives, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe for its luxurious taste and unparalleled ease. The star of the show is undoubtedly the succulent smoked salmon, which pairs exquisitely with the soft, pillowy gnocchi and the unbelievably rich, creamy sauce. It’s a meal that feels decadent and special, yet surprisingly affordable to recreate in your own kitchen compared to dining out. The bright notes of fresh dill and chives, coupled with a hint of lemon, cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced and utterly delightful flavor profile that will have you coming back for more.
Forget the hassle of complicated pasta dishes; this gnocchi recipe is your ticket to a gourmet experience without the gourmet effort. It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a romantic dinner for two or an impressive dish to serve to guests. If you’ve ever enjoyed a smoked salmon pasta, this Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe elevates that experience with the unique chewiness of gnocchi. So, don’t wait – gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed by how delicious and satisfying homemade can be.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftovers of Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, try to store the gnocchi and sauce separately if possible, as gnocchi can absorb excess sauce and become a bit mushy.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop (Recommended): Gently reheat the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream, or a tablespoon of reserved pasta water, to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency again. Stir gently until heated through.
- Microwave: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, loosely cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the gnocchi tough.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be kept frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat using the stovetop method for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe is a delightful fusion of simple ingredients transformed into an elegant dish. It’s perfectly suited for those seeking a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, typically until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain the gnocchi, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. For an extra delightful texture, you can optionally pan-fry the cooked gnocchi in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until lightly golden on a few sides, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.1/4 cup dry white wine
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce begins to thicken.1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Gently fold in the flaked smoked salmon, chopped dill, and chopped chives. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, allowing the salmon to warm through and its smoky flavor to infuse the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.8 ounces smoked salmon, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh chives
- Stir in the lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that smoked salmon is already salty, so taste before adding too much salt.1 tablespoon lemon juice, to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Add the cooked and drained (or pan-fried) gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi
- Divide the Juicy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Recipe among serving bowls. Garnish with extra chopped dill, chives, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh chives