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If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, flaky salmon nestled in a creamy sauce enriched with fresh spinach and brightened by a hit of lemon, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta that carries every luscious bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for a dinner with friends, combining wholesome ingredients into one irresistible plate that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building harmonious flavors and textures — from the silky cream and fresh spinach to the vibrant lemon zest and perfectly cooked salmon. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and giving a subtle fruity base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory aroma that makes the dish truly irresistible.
- 12 oz (340g) salmon fillets: The star of the plate, providing rich flavor and tender texture.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
- 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach: Offers vibrant color, nutrition, and a mild earthy crunch.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that brings everything together.
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick and creamy depth.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: A bright burst of citrus that lifts and balances the richness.
How to Make Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water — this is the first key to perfectly seasoned pasta. Cook your spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente so the noodles keep a nice bite and don’t turn mushy. Once cooked, drain but be sure to save half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is magical for loosening up the sauce later without watering down the flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently until you can smell that amazing, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen, about one to two minutes — just be careful not to burn it since burnt garlic can add bitterness.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Place your salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook each side for about six minutes, allowing the fish to develop a lovely crust while staying moist and flaky inside. When it’s done, it should easily flake apart with a fork, which means you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Add Cream
Stir fresh spinach into the skillet with the cooked salmon. It will wilt quickly, reducing in volume and adding a fresh green pop to the dish. Once the spinach has softened, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. This thickens the sauces and helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Flavorings
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the salmon and cream mixture. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice for that zingy brightness, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, slowly adding the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired creaminess. This step ensures the sauce clings perfectly to every noodle.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
At this point, your Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe is just about ready to enjoy! Give everything one last gentle toss before plating and move on to the fun part — serving and savoring.
How to Serve Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a crack or two of black pepper on top can take this dish from excellent to unforgettable. If you have fresh parsley or dill on hand, these herbs add a lovely, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add an extra layer of flavor and shine.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try a simple, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans make for elegant and nutritious companions as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, consider serving this Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side. Layered plating where you first place a bed of spinach on the plate, then twirl the pasta on top, and crown with flaked salmon makes the dish look as stunning as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta and sauce will keep nicely for up to two days, though salmon is best enjoyed fresh. Just be mindful that the spinach might wilt further after storage, changing the texture slightly.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not recommended because the cream sauce can separate and the texture of the cooked salmon might suffer. For best results, enjoy this Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe freshly made or refrigerated for short-term storage only.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to help re-loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is possible but can lead to uneven heating and a change in texture, so stovetop reheating is preferable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to avoid watering down the sauce.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Fresh salmon fillets work perfectly, but if fresh is not available, high-quality frozen salmon can also do the trick. Look for wild-caught if possible for the best flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or fettuccine is recommended to hold the sauce well, penne or linguine could also be delicious alternatives depending on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Definitely. With under 30 minutes total cooking time, this Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious, and impressive weeknight meal.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a blend of Greek yogurt and milk to make a lighter sauce, but be cautious about heating yogurt too high to prevent curdling.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to again and again whenever I want something comforting yet elegant. The bright lemon and fresh spinach cut through the richness of the creamy sauce and tender salmon, creating a perfect balance that feels wholesome and indulgent at the same time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta combines tender pan-seared salmon with fresh spinach and a luscious lemon-infused Parmesan cream sauce, making a flavorful and satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or fettuccine
Salmon and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz (340g) salmon fillets
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach
Sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately six minutes on each side, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Wilt spinach and add cream: Stir fresh spinach into the skillet with the salmon and cook until wilted. Then pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently to combine the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and salmon mixture. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for best flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to loosen the sauce without thinning it too much.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste after combining all ingredients.
- If heavy cream is unavailable, substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
