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Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

5.1 from 6 reviews

This Salmon Spinach Pasta is a delightful and nutritious dish combining tender salmon fillets with fresh spinach and a creamy Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. It’s a wholesome meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors, ideal for a quick yet elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine)

Sauce & Protein

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
  • 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)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the 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.
  2. Reserve pasta water and drain: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.
  3. Season salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice to enhance its natural flavors.
  4. Cook the salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Flake salmon: Remove salmon from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, flake it into bite-sized pieces, keeping some chunks intact for texture.
  6. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Cook spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally.
  8. Make cream sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate it with the spinach and garlic.
  9. Add Parmesan: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  10. Season sauce: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
  12. Combine salmon and pasta: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the pasta, preserving some chunkiness to maintain texture.
  13. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  14. Serve: Serve the salmon spinach pasta hot in bowls or on plates.
  15. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness.
  16. Enjoy & store leftovers: Serve immediately and enjoy your meal! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon fillet for the best flavor and texture; wild-caught is preferable if available.
  • If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a cream alternative.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat; omit if sensitive to spice.
  • Make sure to reserve pasta water before draining to help thin and bind the sauce if needed.
  • Serve immediately after garnishing to enjoy the fresh taste and avoid soggy pasta.
  • To reheat leftovers, warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pasta, healthy dinner, seafood pasta, quick dinner recipe, Italian pasta dish