If there’s one dish I can count on for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, it’s this Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta. It has everything you want in a weeknight dinner: tender, flaky salmon, vibrant greens, and a tangy, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of hearty rigatoni. The best part? It looks impressive, tastes absolutely fantastic, and is surprisingly easy to pull together, even on your busiest days. This is the kind of recipe that effortlessly turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so craveable and beautiful. Each one brings its own touch of flavor, texture, or color, turning Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta into a true superstar at your dinner table.

Salmon Fillet: Go for fresh, skin-on salmon if you can; the richness and flaky texture really shine through in the final dish.
Rigatoni (or your favorite pasta): The ridges on rigatoni catch every drop of sauce, but you can swap in penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you love.
Baby Spinach Leaves: These tender greens wilt perfectly into the sauce, adding freshness and gorgeous green color.
Greek Yogurt: This is the secret to that creamy, tangy sauce—choose full fat for extra richness!
Dried or Fresh Dill: Dill and salmon are a classic combo; fresh dill will give an herby punch, but dried works great too.
Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings balance and enhance every flavor in the dish.
Lemon Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest gives a bright, citrusy note that pairs perfectly with the fish and greens.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds just the right zing to balance out the creamy sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: A gentle kick of heat that rounds out all the flavors—add more if you like a spicy edge!

How to Make Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay out the salmon fillet skin-side down, then sprinkle on the dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This quickly infuses the salmon with flavor and ensures every forkful will taste vibrant and seasoned—but it takes just seconds to do.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Slide the seasoned salmon into the hot oven and let it bake for 7 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a fillet that’s just opaque in the thickest part and flakes easily with a fork—that’s when it’s at its best for the pasta. Once cooked, use a spatula or spoon to gently separate the flesh from the skin, and break the salmon into big, rustic chunks. Set these aside so they’re ready to toss in at the end.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni and cook until delightfully al dente—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Right before draining, be sure to save a generous cup of the starchy pasta water; this is pure gold for loosening and glossing up your sauce later.

Step 4: Build the Sauce & Combine

Return the hot, drained pasta to its pot and set it over low heat. Add your fresh spinach and toss for a minute until it just wilts from the steam. Now add the Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle in those red pepper flakes. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to thin out the sauce so it coats every noodle, creamy but never heavy. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed.

Step 5: Add Salmon & Finish

Finally, gently fold the salmon chunks back into the pot, just enough to distribute them evenly without breaking them up too much. Turn off the heat—you want the salmon to stay tender and moist. Dish up immediately so everyone gets the full effect of the creamy sauce, the silky salmon, and the bright, herby flavors. That’s Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta perfection!

How to Serve Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, shower your bowls with a little more fresh dill or parsley, a grating of lemon zest, and a crack of black pepper. If you’re feeling decadent, a handful of freshly grated Parmesan or a few toasted pine nuts add richness and a touch of crunch.

Side Dishes

Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a few slices of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For special occasions, serve it alongside steamed asparagus, garlicky roasted broccolini, or even a crisp, cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Creative Ways to Present

Take it up a notch by serving the pasta in shallow, wide bowls so the creamy salmon and spinach nestle right into the rigatoni. For a dinner party, garnish each serving with a curl of lemon peel and a pretty sprig of dill. You can also try spooning the pasta into individual ramekins for a fun, bistro-style presentation—perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta keeps surprisingly well. As soon as dinner’s done and cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays tasty for up to 2 days. The yogurt keeps everything creamy even after chilling.

Freezing

While salmon and yogurt-based sauces can be a little finicky when frozen, you can still freeze leftovers if needed. Spoon cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, and try to use it within 1 to 2 months. When reheating, go gently to keep the sauce from separating.

Reheating

Reheat Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring often. Just be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating so it stays tender, not dry.

FAQs

Can I substitute another fish for salmon?

Absolutely. While salmon’s rich flavor and texture are part of what makes Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta so appealing, you can easily swap in cooked trout or even canned tuna for a twist. Just make sure to flake the fish into large, juicy pieces before adding to the pasta.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw the spinach first and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid watering down the sauce. Frozen spinach works well and is always handy to keep in your freezer for last-minute meals.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt?

If you’re avoiding dairy, try using your favorite unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like coconut or cashew) for the sauce. The result will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

What if I don’t have dill?

No problem—fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon can step in and still deliver lots of bright, fresh herb flavor. Even a little extra lemon zest can give you a similar uplift in taste.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular rigatoni. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta a great option for a variety of dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, fabulous meal that delivers restaurant-level flavor with no stress, you simply have to try Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta. It’s a weeknight hero in my kitchen, and I know it will become a favorite in yours too. Enjoy every creamy, lemony, salmon-packed bite!