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Spinach Salmon Pasta Recipe

Spinach Salmon Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

A creamy and flavorful spinach salmon pasta that combines tender seared salmon with a rich garlic cream sauce, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is easy to prepare, balancing healthy omega-3 rich salmon with comforting creamy pasta, finished with a bright touch of lemon and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Extra grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and flaky. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add Spinach and Pasta: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Add Salmon and Finish the Dish: Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and gently fold it into the pasta. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top, along with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and fat.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat; omit if preferred mild.
  • Salmon can be substituted with other firm fish like trout or cod.
  • Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brightens the dish on serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach Salmon Pasta, creamy salmon pasta, garlic cream sauce, healthy salmon recipe, easy pasta dinner, seafood pasta dish

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/spinach-salmon-pasta-recipe/