Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Salmon Spinach Pasta that combines tender salmon fillets, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite fettuccine or linguine. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet healthy.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 a bit of heat)
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. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled slightly, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the spinach and garlic. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta and Salmon: Add the cooked pasta and flaked salmon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan and use coconut cream or a dairy-free substitute, and consider nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preference for spiciness.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Keywords: Salmon pasta, creamy spinach pasta, fettuccine with salmon, easy dinner recipe, Italian seafood pasta