Simple Pesto Alfredo Gnocchi with Salmon (One-Pan Recipe)

This simple one-pan gnocchi with salmon dish is pillowy spinach gnocchi in a creamy pesto alfredo sauce loaded with veggies and topped with pan seared salmon is the ultimate comfort food and it’s all ready to go and on the table within 20 minutes. 

My gnocchi-loving family went crazy for this delicious gnocchi alfredo with pesto pan seared salmon recipe! I love this green gnocchi and salmon recipe because it is easy to make and super nutritious without tasting like it. My kids often say, “Mommy this tastes too healthy!”

For what it’s worth, I heard nothing but OOH and YUMM coming out of the mouths of my babes when they were eating this yummy spinach gnocchi pesto alfredo with salmon recipe.

This recipe is seriously delicious. With a flavor pairing like alfredo and pesto smothered spinach gnocchi, I’m steering you in all the right directions with this yummy recipe!

This green gnocchi alfredo with pesto salmon makes a wonderful busy weeknight dinner option. It’s mostly made in one pan and ready to go in no time. Additionally, this recipe presents beautifully so it would make an incredibly easy entertaining dish. Gnocchi + pesto + salmon = CROWD PLEASER!

Ingredients for one-pan gnocchi with salmon

To make this easy one-pan gnocchi and salmon pesto alfredo recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we’re working with:

• salmon – we love ButcherBox salmon!
• pesto – homemade or store bought, Aldi has a great basil pesto sauce.
• salt and pepper – before coating the salmon with pesto, you will want to add salt and pepper to both sides before searing.
• spinach gnocchi – store bought or homemade, these little pillows of joy are the star of the recipe!
• broccoli florets – fresh or frozen works well for this recipe
• fresh baby spinach
• garlic powder – if you are using a garlic alfredo sauce, you can omit this altogether (or not!) In my opinion, you can’t have too much garlic!
• paprika – I like to use smoked paprika which gives a deeper flavor note to pair with the freshness of lemon.
• jarred alfredo sauce – to save you time, your favorite jarred alfredo sauce is what we will be using.
• lemon juice and zest – this simply brightens this meal and an additional level of freshness.
• grated parmesan cheese

How to make one-pan gnocchi with salmon

pan sear the salmon

1. Season salmon filets with salt and pepper and liberally brush with the pesto on both sides of the filets.
2. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Cook the salmon, undisturbed, skin side up, until golden and crisp with pesto encrusted in the filets, about 4 minutes.
3. Flip the fillets and reduce the heat. Continue to cook another 4-5 minutes and transfer to a plate.

green gnocchi and pesto alfredo

1. Cook gnocchi according to package directions along with broccoli florets, about 3 minutes. Drain and return pasta and broccoli to the same skillet used to pan-sear the salmon.
2. Stir in spinach, alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, lemon juice and zest. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook and stir over medium-low until heated through and spinach is wilted.
4. Return salmon filets back to the pan, breaking into bite size pieces, if desired.
5. Sprinkle over parmesan cheese and garnish with lemon wedges, optional.

Can I meal prep pesto alfredo gnocchi with crispy salmon?

Yes! This gnocchi and salmon recipe makes a fabulous meal prep. Because this is a one-skillet meal this recipe makes for a hassle-free meal prep option. Less prep and more time to enjoy your weekend! 

The flavors in this recipe pair so well together and get better day after day. This fresh and nutrient-packed recipe will have you looking forward to lunch each day!

You will want to assemble into 4 meal prep containers. You can serve the pan seared salmon whole or cut up into bite size pieces to assemble on top of the gnocchi. On the other hand, you can choose to forgo the salmon completely and make this a super yummy and satisfying vegetarian meal prep! It doesn’t get any easier or more delicious than this gnocchi alfredo pesto recipe.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our family does. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes. 

If you love this simple one-pan gnocchi recipe, don’t forget to check out our creamy bacon chicken with peas and gnocchi skillet recipe!

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

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