Description
Creamy Salmon Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish featuring pillowy gnocchi and tender salmon chunks in a luscious, flavorful cream sauce. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with its elegant yet approachable taste. Combining fresh ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, spinach, and a hint of lemon juice, this family-friendly recipe delivers an irresistibly creamy and balanced meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 500g Potato Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Salmon and Protein
- 2 Fresh Salmon Fillets (about 300-400g total)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Butter (for sautéing)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
Greens and Garnish
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach or Herbs (such as parsley, basil, or dill)
- Optional: extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat, then sear the salmon until cooked through and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and break into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Drain well and toss gently with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same pan used for salmon, reduce heat to medium. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Gradually add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi, salmon pieces, and fresh spinach or chosen herbs to the cream sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly, taking care not to break up the salmon pieces. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute.
- Finish with Flavor: Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish. Give a final gentle toss, then remove the pan from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture; frozen salmon can be used if properly thawed.
- Cook gnocchi only until they float to keep them tender and pillowy.
- Simmer the cream sauce on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain smoothness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their bright aroma and flavor.
- Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
- Freezing is possible but may affect sauce texture; consume within 1 month for best quality.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with frequent stirring to avoid sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg