Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe to Try Today Recipe
This Salmon Spinach Pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish combining tender salmon, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavors of lemon and garlic, it’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Pan-cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 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)
Salmon
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Boil 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. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 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 keep it from sticking.
- Prepare Salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and opaque.
- Flake Salmon: Remove salmon from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, use a fork to flake it into bite-sized pieces, keeping some chunks intact for texture.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Create Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat every strand evenly.
- Fold in Salmon: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the pasta mixture, taking care to keep some larger pieces intact for a hearty bite.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Serve: Plate the salmon spinach pasta into bowls or on plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy & Store: Serve immediately while warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor, but frozen salmon thawed properly can also be used.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste or add freshly ground black pepper.
- To keep pasta from sticking, toss it with a small amount of olive oil right after draining.
- Leftover pasta can be reheated gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh herbal flavor and an attractive garnish, but basil or chives would work well too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pasta, fettuccine recipe, linguine with salmon, healthy seafood pasta, easy dinner recipes