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Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Salmon Pasta with Spinach Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This delicious and creamy pasta dish features tender seared salmon fillets served with a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce and fresh spinach, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A flavorful combination of garlic, paprika, and subtle red pepper flakes enhances the sauce, making it an elegant yet easy meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound salmon fillets
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne

Instructions

  1. Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets flesh side down (skin side up) in the skillet and sear for about 4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Reduce the heat to medium and flip the fillets to the skin side down. Sear for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook while stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream along with the paprika and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 1 minute while stirring. Taste and season with salt as needed. Adjust paprika to your preference for additional flavor.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked and drained penne into the skillet with the cream sauce and vegetables. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  6. Prepare the Salmon: Remove the skin from the salmon fillets by sliding a fork or spatula between the flesh and skin. Slice the salmon into large chunks.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Gently fold the salmon chunks into the creamy pasta mixture. Allow it to simmer for a minute or more on low heat, until the salmon is warmed through and flakes easily. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use salmon fillets with skin on for easier searing and moisture retention.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add more flavor; drain some oil if too oily.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
  • Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version but may reduce richness.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fresh green salad on the side.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: salmon pasta, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, creamy spinach pasta, seared salmon recipe, one pan pasta dish

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/sun-dried-tomato-cream-sauce-salmon-pasta-with-spinach-recipe/