Why You’ll Love Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish Recipe

This Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish is creamy, flavorful, and packed with nutrition. The rich, flaky salmon pairs beautifully with fresh spinach and tender pasta, all tossed in a light yet indulgent sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet but comes together quickly.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, linguine, or fettuccine)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

For the Salmon:

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin removed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Salmon: Season salmon with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove, flake into chunks, and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine: Add spinach and cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Stir until spinach wilts. Toss in pasta and flaked salmon. Gently combine.
Finish & Serve: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish, season to taste, and serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a tangy, lighter sauce.
Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms for more texture.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Whole Grain: Swap in whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces don’t freeze well).
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned salmon?
A: Yes! Use good-quality canned salmon as a quick and budget-friendly alternative.

Q: What pasta works best?
A: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work beautifully since they hold onto the sauce.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a delicious alternative.

Conclusion

This Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish is the ultimate balance of comfort and nutrition. With creamy sauce, fresh veggies, and protein-rich salmon, it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe to Try Today

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This Salmon Spinach Pasta is a creamy, protein-packed dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. Flaky salmon, tender pasta, and fresh spinach come together in a rich yet light garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for guests!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Instructions

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Cook salmon 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, flake into chunks, and set aside.
Make sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and garlic. Cook until fragrant. Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add spinach: Stir spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted.
Combine: Toss in pasta and gently fold in flaked salmon. Mix until coated in sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt or light cream for a healthier sauce.
Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or peas.
Use canned salmon for a budget-friendly version.
Make it dairy-free: swap cream for coconut milk and omit Parmesan.