Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta Recipe
This Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta combines tender salmon fillets with a luscious, creamy sauce made from fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Using 2% milk and cornstarch creates a lighter sauce that still packs rich flavor. This dish offers a balanced meal with protein-packed salmon and fresh vegetables, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a comforting yet healthy indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 24 oz salmon, cut into 4 portions
- 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Optional
- 1 serving Barilla Protein pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon portions evenly with pink Himalayan salt and ground black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2% milk and cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. This mixture will thicken the sauce during cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and place the salmon portions skin-side down if applicable. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese: Pour the milk and cornstarch mixture into the skillet with vegetables and salmon. Stir gently to incorporate and allow the sauce to thicken, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Optional Pasta Preparation: If using pasta, cook according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet with the creamy Tuscan salmon mixture, tossing gently to coat pasta in the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Tuscan salmon pasta immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- The cornstarch slurry helps create a thick and creamy sauce without using heavy cream, making this dish lighter.
- Barilla Protein pasta is a great option to increase protein content but is optional based on dietary preferences.
- Feel free to substitute 2% milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lower-fat alternative, adjusting cornstarch accordingly.
- Use fresh parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
Keywords: Tuscan salmon pasta, creamy salmon pasta, healthy salmon recipe, creamy pasta with spinach and tomatoes, easy seafood pasta