Have you ever craved a gourmet-style meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes? Salmon Pasta with Spinach is just that dish. Picture tender, flaky salmon tossed with baby spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce, all perfectly coating your favorite pasta. It’s comforting, delicious, and incredibly easy to make—no culinary degree required!
This dish is perfect for a special dinner or even a weeknight meal when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to dive into a plate of creamy goodness? Let’s get started.
Why Salmon Pasta with Spinach Is a Must-Try
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and elegance. Each ingredient shines:
- Salmon provides a boost of protein and healthy fats while adding a luxurious texture.
- Baby Spinach offers a burst of freshness and color, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Parmesan Cream Sauce is the glue that binds everything together, making each bite indulgent.
- Pasta acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up every bit of the creamy, garlicky sauce.
Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients for Salmon Pasta with Spinach
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | 1 lb. | Adds protein and a tender, flaky texture. |
| Pasta (campanelle) | 8 oz. | The base of the dish; holds the creamy sauce. |
| Butter | 3 tbsp. | For cooking the salmon and sautéing the aromatics. |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. |
| Baby Spinach | 6 oz. | Adds freshness and vibrant color. |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | Makes the sauce rich and velvety. |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup, grated | Adds a nutty, savory flavor to the sauce. |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Enhances the sauce with a subtle zing. |
| Parsley | 2 tbsp., chopped | Adds a fresh, herby finish to the dish. |
| Salt | ½ tsp. (or to taste) | Enhances the overall flavor. |
| Black Pepper | ¼ tsp. (or to taste) | Adds a touch of heat and depth. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the salmon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet from the salmon (don’t clean it—those flavorful bits will enrich the sauce!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
4. Add the Spinach
Toss in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts. The spinach will add a pop of green and a fresh, earthy flavor.
5. Create the Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Incorporate the Salmon
Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta and sauce. Be careful not to break up the salmon too much—you want those beautiful chunks to remain intact for both presentation and texture.
8. Finish with Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, herby finish. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Plate your creamy Salmon Pasta with Spinach and serve immediately. Pair it with garlic bread or a light side salad for a complete gourmet meal.
Why This Dish Is Both Delicious and Nutritious
This pasta dish isn’t just indulgent; it’s packed with nutrients:
| Nutrient | Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Salmon | Supports heart and brain health. |
| Protein | Salmon, Parmesan | Helps build and repair muscles. |
| Vitamins A & C | Spinach | Boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin. |
| Calcium | Parmesan, Cream | Strengthens bones and teeth. |
| Healthy Fats | Butter, Salmon | Provides sustained energy and brain function. |
Tips for Perfecting Salmon Pasta with Spinach
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon, spinach, and Parmesan will make a big difference in the final flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it remains tender and flaky.
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Experiment with Pasta: While campanelle is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Add Extra Veggies: For a twist, include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
FAQs About Salmon Pasta with Spinach
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Frozen salmon works just as well. Make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
4. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano instead. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the salmon and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately, and combine them with the pasta just before serving.
6. Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Simply swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
Why This Dish Should Be on Your Table Tonight
Salmon Pasta with Spinach isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy Parmesan sauce, tender salmon, and vibrant spinach come together in a way that’s satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Try It Today!
What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Your family, friends, or even just yourself will be blown away by this easy-to-make gourmet meal.
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Salmon Pasta with Spinach: A Gourmet Meal in Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and flavorful Salmon Pasta with Spinach combines tender, flaky salmon, vibrant spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. salmon (skinless and boneless)
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta (campanelle preferred, but any will work)
- 3 tbsp. butter (divided)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 oz. baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp. salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp. pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
-
Cook the Salmon:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the salmon to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and it flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- While the salmon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce later, if needed.
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
-
Add Spinach:
- Toss the baby spinach into the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly in the sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
-
Incorporate the Salmon:
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta and sauce. Be careful not to break the salmon too much—you want those beautiful chunks intact.
-
Finish with Parsley:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, herby finish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the pasta immediately and serve warm. Pair it with garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Salmon Tips: Fresh salmon works best, but frozen salmon can be used—just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
- Cheese Alternatives: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can replace Parmesan. For a non-dairy version, try nutritional yeast.
- Pasta Options: Campanelle is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, but penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta work great too.
- Make It Your Own: Add vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to customize the dish.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired