This spinach salmon pasta is a quick and elegant dinner that feels like it came straight from a fancy restaurant. Tender flakes of salmon, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce come together with perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is impressive. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This pasta is a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. The creamy sauce is velvety and flavorful, while the spinach and salmon add a healthy, hearty touch. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special date night, this recipe works every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick peek at the main ingredients you’ll need. The full list with exact measurements is below in the recipe card.
- Fresh salmon fillets
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Pasta of your choice (linguine, penne, or fettuccine work well)
- Heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce
- Garlic and olive oil for added flavor
Directions to Make Spinach Salmon Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled slightly, flake it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a bit more olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (optional).
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the flaked salmon and serve immediately.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but canned or smoked salmon can work in a pinch.
- Don’t overcook the spinach—it only takes a minute or two to wilt.
- Save the pasta water! It’s the secret to a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Lighten it up: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and add a bit of cream cheese for richness.
- Herb boost: Add fresh dill or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Cheesy twist: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or garlic bread makes it even better. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a truly memorable dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the salmon.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes! Thaw it first and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the skillet.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
A: Long pasta like linguine or spaghetti works beautifully, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni is great for scooping up the sauce.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Substitute the cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Q: How can I make this ahead of time?
A: Cook the salmon and prepare the sauce in advance. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
Conclusion
Spinach salmon pasta is the kind of dish that feels fancy without being fussy. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with nutrients from the spinach and salmon. Perfect for family dinners or impressing your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it up, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Creamy Spinach and Salmon Pasta Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Creamy Spinach and Salmon Pasta Delight is a rich, comforting dish that brings together tender salmon, fresh spinach, and creamy pasta. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect meal for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the salmon is golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue to cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Combine the Pasta and Salmon: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon, mixing until well incorporated.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- You can use smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.
- To lighten the dish, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or use a non-dairy cream alternative.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg