Introduction
Oh, remember those cozy nights when dinner felt like a hug in a bowl? I’m talking about those meals that are so incredibly satisfying, yet so simple to throw together after a long day. Well, get ready to create a new favorite because this Creamy Salmon Gnocchi recipe is exactly that! It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for company but is so ridiculously easy, you’ll be making it for your weeknight dinners on repeat. Seriously, it’s a little bit of magic in a pan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Dinner Hero: From pantry to plate in under 30 minutes – perfect for those busy evenings.
- Effortlessly Delicious: Minimal steps, maximum flavor. You really can’t mess this one up!
- Impressive & Giftable: Make a little extra and portion it into cute containers for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Crowd-Pleaser Supreme: Even picky eaters tend to fall in love with the creamy sauce and tender gnocchi.
Ingredients
Gather ’round, my friends! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy dish. Don’t worry, it’s all super accessible!
- 1 lb store-bought gnocchi: These little potato dumplings are the heart of our dish. I love using the shelf-stable kind because they’re so convenient!
- 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked: You can pan-sear, bake, or even use leftover cooked salmon. The flaking makes it super easy to distribute throughout the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is our secret weapon for that luscious, velvety sauce. It makes everything feel so decadent!
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is non-negotiable, right? It adds that perfect aromatic base.
- 1 tbsp butter: For sautéing our aromatics and adding a touch of richness.
- Fresh dill for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh dill is like a little crown for this dish. It adds a pop of color and a lovely, subtle flavor.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through it, step-by-step. Put on your favorite music and let’s have some fun in the kitchen!
- Cook the Gnocchi: First things first, grab a pot of salted boiling water and cook your gnocchi according to the package directions. They usually only take a few minutes – they’ll float to the top when they’re ready! Once they’re done, drain them really well and set them aside. We want them nice and plump!
- Sauté the Garlic: While your gnocchi is doing its thing, grab a large skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about 1 minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Now, pour in that glorious heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer. You don’t want a rolling boil, just a nice, happy bubble. This is where the magic starts to happen.
- Add the Salmon: Gently add your flaked salmon to the simmering cream sauce. Stir it all together so the salmon pieces are nicely coated and warmed through. The pink salmon against the white cream is just beautiful!
- Bring it All Together: Now it’s time for the grand finale! Add your cooked and drained gnocchi right into the skillet with the salmon and cream sauce. Toss everything together gently. You want to make sure every little gnocchi pillow is coated in that rich, creamy goodness.
- Serve and Enjoy! Spoon your delicious Creamy Salmon Gnocchi into bowls immediately. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill – it really makes the dish pop! Take a moment to admire your handiwork, and then dive in. You’ve earned it!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is already fantastic, but you know me, I love to play around! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Salmon Swap: No salmon? No problem! Cooked, flaked chicken or even cooked shrimp would be delicious here.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, or even some roasted asparagus spears along with the gnocchi for extra color and nutrients.
- Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese stirred into the sauce at the end is always a good idea. You could also top individual bowls with a little extra.
- Herbal Flair: If you don’t have dill, fresh parsley or chives would also be lovely garnishes.
- Lemon Zest: A little bit of lemon zest added at the end can brighten up the whole dish beautifully.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can help ensure your Creamy Salmon Gnocchi is absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: They cook super fast! Overcooked gnocchi can get mushy. Follow the package directions closely, and remember they float when they’re ready.
- Prep Ahead: You can cook and flake your salmon ahead of time. You can also mince your garlic and have your cream measured out. This makes assembly even quicker!
- Gentle Tossing: Gnocchi can be a little delicate. Toss them gently in the sauce to avoid breaking them apart.
- Warm Your Bowls (Optional): For an extra touch of restaurant-style elegance, you can warm your serving bowls by filling them with hot water while you’re cooking. Just pour out the water right before serving.
How to Store It
Leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have some to store:
Let the gnocchi and salmon mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick. Be mindful that gnocchi can absorb liquid, so the texture might be slightly softer upon reheating.
FAQs
Got a question? I’ve got answers!
- Can I use refrigerated gnocchi? Absolutely! Refrigerated gnocchi are often a bit softer and can be even quicker to cook. Just follow the package instructions.
- Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal? Yes, definitely! It’s incredibly fast and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? You could make the garlic cream sauce base ahead of time, but I would recommend adding the flaked salmon and gnocchi right before serving for the best texture.
Creamy Salmon Gnocchi
A quick and easy recipe for creamy salmon gnocchi that feels fancy but is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- Pot for boiling gnocchi
- Large skillet
- Airtight container for leftovers
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb store-bought gnocchi shelf-stable kind recommended
- 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked pan-seared, baked, or leftover
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: First things first, grab a pot of salted boiling water and cook your gnocchi according to the package directions. They usually only take a few minutes – they'll float to the top when they're ready! Once they're done, drain them really well and set them aside. We want them nice and plump!
- Sauté the Garlic: While your gnocchi is doing its thing, grab a large skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Once it's melted and shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about 1 minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Now, pour in that glorious heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer. You don't want a rolling boil, just a nice, happy bubble. This is where the magic starts to happen.
- Add the Salmon: Gently add your flaked salmon to the simmering cream sauce. Stir it all together so the salmon pieces are nicely coated and warmed through. The pink salmon against the white cream is just beautiful!
- Bring it All Together: Now it's time for the grand finale! Add your cooked and drained gnocchi right into the skillet with the salmon and cream sauce. Toss everything together gently. You want to make sure every little gnocchi pillow is coated in that rich, creamy goodness.
- Serve and Enjoy! Spoon your delicious Creamy Salmon Gnocchi into bowls immediately. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill – it really makes the dish pop! Take a moment to admire your handiwork, and then dive in. You've earned it!
Notes
This recipe is speedy, impressive, and a crowd-pleaser. Substitutions like chicken or shrimp are possible. Feel free to add vegetables or Parmesan cheese. For best results, don't overcook the gnocchi and toss gently. Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days and reheated gently.