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
Units
Scale
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