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Tuscan Salmon and Gnocchi

Tuscan Salmon and Gnocchi
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Tuscan Salmon and Gnocchi is a quick, elegant dish featuring pan-seared salmon fillets served over crispy, tender gnocchi, all enveloped in a rich and creamy Tuscan garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines comforting flavors with a vibrant Italian-inspired touch, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Base

  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Herbs & Seasoning

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and sear until the skin is crispy and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they develop a light golden crust and are tender inside, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
  3. Make the Tuscan Cream Sauce: Add minced garlic and chopped shallots to the skillet with the gnocchi, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently, stirring regularly to prevent boiling. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add Vegetables and Finish the Dish: Toss fresh spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

  • Pat dry the salmon to ensure crispy skin and avoid steaming during cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking gnocchi, cook in batches for a perfect golden crust.
  • Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently to keep it silky and prevent curdling.
  • Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
  • Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
  • Keep side dishes light and fresh, like a green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or crusty bread for mopping up sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan salmon, gnocchi recipe, creamy sauce, pan-seared salmon, Italian dinner, quick salmon recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/tuscan-salmon-and-gnocchi/