If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the heart and delights the palate, this Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake is just the ticket! Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe brings together soft, pillowy gnocchi and tender salmon in a rich, creamy sauce. With a crispy topping, it creates a delicious experience that even the pickiest eaters will savor. Get ready to create a meal that fills your home with warmth and laughter!
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Whip this up in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
- Family Favorite: Everyone loves gnocchi and creamy sauces—you can’t go wrong!
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank.
- Comforting & Satisfying: Each bite is like a warm hug, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
This recipe stands out because it combines the delightful softness of gnocchi with the flavorful punch of salmon, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home and creates memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
For the bake:
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Mix it all together: Fold in the cooked gnocchi, flaked salmon, spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the gnocchi bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. This step creates that delicious crunchy contrast to the creamy filling!
How to Serve Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.
How to Store Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake
To keep your Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Tips to Make Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake
- Cook gnocchi in plenty of salted water for the best flavor.
- You can add more veggies like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Don’t shy away from seasoning—the salmon needs a little boost, so taste and adjust as you go.
- If you want a bit of zest, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving!
- Ensure even cooking by mixing the ingredients well before baking.
Variation
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and check labels for other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Swap salmon with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty twist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of cooked salmon?
Absolutely! Just bake or grill fresh salmon until cooked through, then flake it into the mixture.
How do I store leftovers?
Place the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have gnocchi?
You can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just cook according to the package instructions.
Conclusion
This Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake is truly a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any mealtime. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a special recipe to share with family and friends. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment and a star rating, and consider sharing this on Pinterest or Facebook. What twist did you try? Let us know below!
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Creamy Salmon Gnocchi Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Description
A comforting and satisfying dish that combines soft gnocchi and tender salmon in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a crispy layer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked gnocchi, flaked salmon, spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the gnocchi bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg