20 Minute Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Recipe

Picture this: tender pillows of gnocchi swimming in a luscious cream sauce, studded with flaky salmon and fresh herbs. This creamy salmon gnocchi is pure comfort food magic that comes together in just 20 minutes! Fun fact: gnocchi means “knots” in Italian, and these little dumplings will tie your taste buds in knots of pure bliss.

This dish combines restaurant-quality flavors with home-cooking simplicity, making it perfect for busy families and dinner party hosts alike. Unlike our popular chicken alfredo pasta, this salmon version brings omega-3 rich fish and sophisticated flavors to your table without the fuss.

What is Salmon Gnocchi?

Ever wondered why we call these little potato dumplings “gnocchi”? These Italian “knots” have been tangling hearts and stomachs for centuries! Our salmon gnocchi takes traditional comfort food and gives it a luxurious twist with tender salmon pieces.

It’s like a warm hug from your Italian grandmother, but with a fishy secret that’ll make your heart skip a beat. After all, they say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach! Ready to fall head over heels for this cozy creation?

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Gnocchi:

Rich, Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home

This salmon gnocchi delivers an incredibly rich and creamy sauce that rivals any upscale restaurant. The combination of butter, cream, and fresh herbs creates a velvety base that perfectly complements the tender salmon. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures – soft gnocchi, flaky fish, and silky sauce that coats every morsel beautifully.

Budget-Friendly Luxury

Making this dish at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant. Fresh salmon might seem expensive, but a little goes a long way in this recipe. You can easily feed a family of four for under $20, while the same dish would cost $60+ at a restaurant. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients and can customize it to your taste preferences.

Versatile and Customizable

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can substitute the salmon with leftover cooked fish, add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or peas, or experiment with different herbs. Unlike our classic marinara gnocchi recipe, this creamy version offers endless possibilities for personalization. Why not give this luxurious twist on comfort food a try tonight?

How to Make Salmon Gnocchi:

Quick Overview

This salmon gnocchi recipe is incredibly straightforward and perfect for weeknight cooking. The dish features store-bought gnocchi cooked until golden, then tossed with flaked salmon in a creamy garlic herb sauce. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity – no complicated techniques required!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Key Ingredients for Salmon Gnocchi:

• 1 lb store-bought potato gnocchi
• 12 oz salmon fillet, skin removed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup white wine (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cook the Salmon

Season salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until it flakes easily. Remove from pan and set aside to cool. Once cooled, flake into bite-sized pieces, removing any bones.

Prepare the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside. For extra flavor, you can pan-fry the cooked gnocchi in a tablespoon of butter until golden.

Create the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for salmon, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine if using, and let it reduce by half. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked gnocchi to the cream sauce and toss gently. Fold in the flaked salmon, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will keep everything warm and perfectly creamy.

What to Serve Salmon Gnocchi With:

This rich and creamy salmon gnocchi pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that balance its richness. A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons cuts through the cream beautifully. Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients to the plate.

For bread, try garlic bread or a crusty sourdough to soak up any remaining sauce. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the salmon perfectly. For a complete Italian experience, start with a light antipasto platter featuring olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.

Top Tips for Perfecting Salmon Gnocchi:

Don’t Overcook the Salmon

The key to perfect salmon gnocchi is not overcooking the fish. Salmon should be just cooked through and flaky. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and loses its delicate texture. Cook it separately first, then fold it in gently at the end to maintain its integrity.

Choose Quality Gnocchi

While homemade gnocchi is wonderful, high-quality store-bought versions work perfectly for this recipe. Look for gnocchi in the refrigerated section rather than dried. Fresh gnocchi has better texture and absorbs the sauce more effectively.

Control the Cream Sauce

Never let the cream sauce boil vigorously, as it may curdle. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir frequently. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Fresh Herbs Make a Difference

Fresh dill and parsley elevate this dish significantly. Dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch, but use them sparingly as their flavor is more concentrated. Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor and color.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Store leftover salmon gnocchi in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The cream sauce may thicken when chilled, which is completely normal.

To reheat, place the gnocchi in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Avoid high heat as it can cause the sauce to separate.

For best results, don’t freeze this dish as cream sauces don’t freeze well and the texture of both the gnocchi and salmon can become compromised. If you must freeze, do so for no more than 1 month and thaw completely before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	26g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	680mg
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	1.2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works perfectly. Thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen salmon may release more moisture, so cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s not watery when flaked.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works but will create a thinner sauce. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk, added off the heat to prevent curdling. Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that works surprisingly well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture. However, you can prep components separately – cook the salmon and make the sauce base, then combine everything when ready to serve.

What type of salmon works best?

Atlantic or Pacific salmon fillets work equally well. Avoid using canned salmon as it doesn’t provide the same texture or flavor. Skin-on fillets are fine – just remove the skin after cooking.

How do I know when gnocchi is done?

Fresh gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of boiling water, usually 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook as it can become mushy and fall apart in the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Peas, asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work wonderfully. Add heartier vegetables like asparagus early in the cooking process, while delicate greens like spinach should be stirred in at the very end.

Additional Helpful Tips and Information:

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe offers several modification options. Gluten-free gnocchi works perfectly and maintains the same cooking method. Lactose-intolerant readers can use lactose-free heavy cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that’s equally delicious.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

While the recipe mentions white wine as an optional ingredient, choosing the right wine to serve alongside enhances the dining experience significantly. Crisp white wines like Albariño, Vermentino, or a nice Chablis complement the richness while their acidity cuts through the cream sauce beautifully.

Seasonal Variations

Spring brings opportunities to add fresh peas and asparagus, while summer allows for cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Fall variations can include roasted butternut squash cubes, and winter calls for hearty additions like sautéed mushrooms or wilted kale.

Make-Ahead Components

While the complete dish doesn’t store well, you can prep several components ahead. Cook and flake the salmon up to 2 days in advance. The cream sauce base can be made earlier in the day and gently reheated when ready to serve.

Kitchen Equipment Tips

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for this recipe as it distributes heat evenly and prevents the cream sauce from scorching. A fish spatula makes flipping the salmon easier, and a slotted spoon helps remove the gnocchi from boiling water without excess water.

This salmon gnocchi recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. The combination of tender gnocchi, flaky salmon, and rich cream sauce creates a comfort food experience that’s both satisfying and sophisticated enough for entertaining guests.