Gnocchi Fish Pie with Peas and Herbs Recipe
Introduction
This gnocchi fish pie is a comforting twist on the classic fish pie, featuring pillowy gnocchi atop a creamy, flavorful fish filling. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients
- 350g gnocchi
- 200ml semi-skimmed milk
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 400g fish pie mix, or a mix of salmon, smoked haddock and prawns
- 4 spring onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped chives, or ½ tbsp finely chopped tarragon
- 150ml reduced-fat crème fraîche
- 1 tsp capers, drained
- 200g frozen peas
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 250g long-stem broccoli or green beans, steamed, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the gnocchi in a deep ovenproof frying pan and cover with boiling water. Add a pinch of salt and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Drain and leave the gnocchi to steam-dry in the pan.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix a splash of semi-skimmed milk with the cornflour until smooth. Add this mixture to the remaining milk in the frying pan.
- Step 3: Add the fish pie mix and sliced spring onions to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook until the sauce thickens and the fish is just cooked, about 4-5 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped herbs, crème fraîche, capers, and frozen peas. Bring the mixture back to a simmer.
- Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Arrange the gnocchi evenly over the filling in the pan. Brush the gnocchi with olive oil and season with black pepper.
- Step 6: Grill for 5-10 minutes, until the gnocchi puff up and turn golden on top.
- Step 7: Serve the gnocchi fish pie hot, with steamed long-stem broccoli or green beans on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add a little grated cheese on top of the gnocchi before grilling.
- You can swap the fish pie mix for your favorite fresh fish or seafood combination.
- Try adding a handful of chopped spinach or kale into the filling for added greens.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornflour paste gradually while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
Storage
Store any leftover gnocchi fish pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The topping may be less crispy after reheating, so you can refresh it briefly under the grill if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular mashed potato instead of gnocchi?
Yes, mashed potato works well as a traditional topping in fish pie. However, using gnocchi adds a unique texture and quicker cooking time.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
It’s best to freeze the filling and gnocchi separately to maintain the best texture. Freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw before assembling and grilling the gnocchi topping.
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Gnocchi Fish Pie with Peas and Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Gnocchi Fish Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish combining pillowy gnocchi with a creamy, herb-infused fish filling. Featuring a medley of salmon, smoked haddock, and prawns in a thickened milk sauce enriched with crème fraîche, capers, and spring onions, this pie is topped with golden, grilled gnocchi and served alongside steamed green vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 350g gnocchi
- 200ml semi-skimmed milk
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 400g fish pie mix (salmon, smoked haddock, and prawns)
- 4 spring onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped chives or ½ tbsp finely chopped tarragon
- 150ml reduced-fat crème fraîche
- 1 tsp capers, drained
- 200g frozen peas
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 250g long-stem broccoli or green beans, steamed, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare Gnocchi: Place the gnocchi in a deep ovenproof frying pan and cover with boiling water and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi float, then drain and leave to steam-dry in the pan while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Sauce: Combine a small amount of the semi-skimmed milk with the cornflour to form a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the remaining milk and pour into the frying pan with the gnocchi. Add the fish pie mix and sliced spring onions, then bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Fish Filling: Continue simmering the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the fish is just cooked through. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Filling: Stir in the chopped herbs (chives or tarragon), reduced-fat crème fraîche, drained capers, and frozen peas. Return the mixture to a simmer, allowing all ingredients to combine and warm through.
- Top with Gnocchi: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Arrange the gnocchi evenly over the fish filling in the ovenproof frying pan. Brush the top of the gnocchi with olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper to enhance browning and flavor.
- Grill until Golden: Place the pan under the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the gnocchi puff up and develop a golden, slightly crispy crust on top.
- Serve: Serve the gnocchi fish pie hot with steamed long-stem broccoli or green beans on the side for a perfectly balanced, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using an ovenproof frying pan allows you to prepare and cook the entire dish in one vessel, minimizing cleanup.
- The fish mix can be substituted with your preferred combination of fresh, smoked, or frozen fish and shellfish.
- Ensure the cornflour is fully dissolved in milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Grilling the gnocchi topping creates a deliciously crispy texture and appealing golden color.
- Steamed green vegetables add freshness and nutrition, balancing the richness of the pie.
- This recipe serves 3-4 people as a main course depending on serving sizes.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure gnocchi is made without wheat flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: gnocchi fish pie, fish pie, gnocchi recipe, healthy fish pie, low fat pie, British cuisine, comfort food

