This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is an incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple one-pan meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss, making it perfect for any busy evening.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, or use chicken broth)
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How to Make Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta:
This dish is a culinary hug in a bowl! In under 30 minutes, you’ll whip up a restaurant-worthy Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta that’s bursting with flavor and healthy greens. The magic lies in its simple, one-pan preparation, allowing the pasta to cook directly in the flavorful sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This ensures every bite of salmon is infused with flavor before it’s even cooked.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The salmon will not be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If using, pour in the white wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 minute.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the half-and-half (or heavy cream). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the simmering liquid. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover the skillet and let it cook according to the pasta package directions, typically 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’re aiming for the pasta to be al dente.
- Wilt the Spinach: Once the pasta is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the fresh spinach. It will seem like a lot of spinach, but it wilts down quickly. Continue to stir until the spinach has softened and wilted into the sauce.
- Add Salmon and Cheese: Gently place the seared salmon pieces back into the skillet with the pasta and spinach. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta:
You’ll adore this Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta for its luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta and tender piece of salmon beautifully. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that you can whip up in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost, proving delicious and impressive dining doesn’t have to break the bank. The delicate flavor of the salmon, combined with the tender pasta and vibrant spinach, creates a harmonious and deeply satisfying bite, making it a fantastic alternative to heavier pasta dishes you might be used to. Dive into this delightful recipe tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight go-to!
This convenient one-pan dish not only saves you precious time but also minimizes your cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans. The subtle richness of the cream, the savory notes of the salmon, and the fresh touch of spinach create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t just take our word for it; try this Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta and experience the magic for yourself – you might just find it becomes your new go-to meal!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through, until heated through. For longer storage, individual portions of the pasta can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary, offering both comfort and elegance in one delicious skillet. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a cherished meal for busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners alike. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the satisfaction of creating such a wonderful dish!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This ensures every bite of salmon is infused with flavor before it’s even cooked.1 pound salmon fillet, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Salt
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The salmon will not be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound salmon fillet
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If using, pour in the white wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 minute.3 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup dry white wine, 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the half-and-half (or heavy cream). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.1.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- Add the uncooked pasta directly to the simmering liquid. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover the skillet and let it cook according to the pasta package directions, typically 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’re aiming for the pasta to be al dente.8 ounces pasta of your choice
- Once the pasta is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the fresh spinach. It will seem like a lot of spinach, but it wilts down quickly. Continue to stir until the spinach has softened and wilted into the sauce.5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- Gently place the seared salmon pieces back into the skillet with the pasta and spinach. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.1 pound salmon fillet, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired.Salt, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Lemon wedges