Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy salmon and spinach pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender salmon with fresh spinach in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of wide fettuccine noodles coated in a smooth, light yellow sauce mixed with wilted dark green spinach leaves. Scattered on top are chunky pieces of cooked salmon with an orange-pink color and slightly crisp edges, sprinkled with coarse black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, showing the rich texture of the sauce and the softness of the noodles inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound salmon fillet (skinless)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillet with salt and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until well blended.
  7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Step 8: Flake the cooled salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold into the pasta mixture.
  9. Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
  10. Step 10: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • Use spinach baby leaves for a more tender texture.
  • Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a subtle heat.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
  • Use leftover cooked salmon instead of fresh for a quicker preparation.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta layers of yellowish flat noodles mixed with green spinach leaves, all covered in a smooth white sauce. On top are chunks of cooked salmon with a light orange color and slightly browned edges. The dish is sprinkled with small black pepper flakes, giving a bit of texture contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like such as penne, linguine, or even gluten-free varieties. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness, usually about 4–5 minutes per side.

Print
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Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender seared salmon, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines fresh ingredients and simple techniques for a flavor-packed meal you must try.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 1 pound salmon fillet (skinless)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillet evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides for flavor.
  3. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillet in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until the salmon is cooked through and flaky. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.
  4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the garlic and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
  7. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the cream sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  8. Flake Salmon: Flake the cooled salmon into bite-sized pieces using a fork, then gently fold the salmon pieces into the pasta and sauce mixture.
  9. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  10. Serve Immediately: Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot straight from the skillet for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use skinless salmon fillets for easier preparation and to avoid crispy skin in this recipe.
  • Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
  • Fresh spinach can be replaced with baby spinach for a more delicate texture.
  • For added zest, sprinkle extra lemon juice before serving.
  • Parmesan cheese adds saltiness; adjust added salt accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Creamy Salmon Pasta, Spinach Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe, Seafood Pasta, Easy Dinner, Fettuccine with Salmon, Cream Sauce Pasta

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