Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Salmon Spinach Pasta dish combining tender salmon fillets, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. This quick and elegant meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Salmon and Sauce
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through and opaque. Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Salmon: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Gently fold in the flaked salmon, keeping some chunks intact for texture. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Divide the salmon spinach pasta into bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the cream sauce’s texture.
Notes
- Using fresh salmon fillet yields the best flavor and texture, but frozen salmon, thawed completely, can also be used.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, so omit or adjust amount according to preference.
- Parmesan cheese helps thicken the sauce; use freshly grated for best melting and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Serve immediately as the cream sauce can thicken upon standing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, creamy salmon recipe, easy dinner, seafood pasta, parmesan cream sauce