Salmon Spinach Pasta Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Salmon Spinach Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender salmon with fresh spinach and a zesty lemon cream sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together easily.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• 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)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Step 2: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Step 3: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
4. Step 4: Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon juice.
6. Step 6: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the salmon from the skillet, let it cool, then flake it into bite-sized pieces.
8. Step 8: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Step 9: Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
10. Step 10: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
11. Step 11: Gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
12. Step 12: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
13. Step 13: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
14. Step 14: Gently fold in the flaked salmon, keeping some chunks intact.
15. Step 15: If needed, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
16. Step 16: Serve the salmon spinach pasta in bowls or on plates.
17. Step 17: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for added freshness.
18. Step 18: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright flavor, and adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
• Substitute baby kale or Swiss chard for spinach for a heartier green.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt added at the end off the heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can also use spaghetti or penne if preferred.

Salmon Spinach Pasta Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

A creamy and flavorful salmon spinach pasta that combines tender flaked salmon with fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a lemon-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste (for pasta water)

Salmon and Flavorings

• 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce and Vegetables

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing 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.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Season the Salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon juice to enhance flavor.
4. Cook the Salmon: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and opaque.
5. Flake the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then flake it into bite-sized pieces.
6. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it.
7. Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
8. Add Cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine well with the spinach and garlic.
9. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce thickens nicely.
10. Add Lemon & Spices: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
12. Fold in Salmon: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the pasta, taking care to keep some chunks intact for texture.
13. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you achieve a creamy, smooth consistency.
14. Serve: Serve the salmon spinach pasta warm in bowls or plates.
15. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
16. Enjoy & Store: Serve immediately and enjoy! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Notes

• Use fettuccine or linguine for best results as they hold the sauce nicely.
• Ensure not to overcook the salmon; it should be tender and flaky.
• Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and improve texture.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for a subtle heat.
• Leftovers should be reheated gently to avoid breaking the cream sauce.

Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, creamy salmon pasta, lemon salmon pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta recipe