Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta
Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is a rich and elegant meal that’s quick enough for weeknights and special enough for guests. Flaky salmon is tossed with tender pasta and sautéed spinach in a luxurious garlic cream sauce for a wholesome and flavorful dish.
Ingredients List
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Zest and juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and flake into chunks.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
Add cooked pasta, flaked salmon, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
Finish with lemon juice and zest if using. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Serves 2–3
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 520
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 30g
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Pairings/Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad. A crisp white wine complements the creamy texture and salmon flavor.
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for spring and summer, but cozy enough for cooler nights. Ideal for quick dinners or light date-night meals.
Conclusion
Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is rich, velvety, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. The balance of flaky salmon, tender pasta, and creamy sauce makes this an irresistible meal that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta
2–3
servings10
minutes20
minutes520
kcalTender pasta with flaky salmon and sautéed spinach in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Zest and juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and flake into chunks.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta, flaked salmon, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish with lemon juice and zest if using. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use fresh or canned salmon based on availability.
Add reserved pasta water slowly to adjust sauce thickness.
Lemon zest brightens the creamy flavors—don’t skip it if possible.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
Yes, just drain and flake it before adding to the sauce.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Skip the butter or use olive oil.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely—mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas work well in this dish.
