Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Salmon Spinach Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender salmon flakes combine with creamy spinach sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off
• 1 pound pasta (penne, farfalle, or linguine)
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed thoroughly
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon dry. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Rub this mixture over the salmon.
2. Step 2: Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and flakes easily.
3. Step 3: Let the salmon cool slightly, then flake it into bite-sized pieces with a fork. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large skillet or pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Step 7: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Step 9: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and additional red pepper flakes to taste.
10. Step 10: Stir in the lemon juice for brightness.
11. Step 11: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
12. Step 12: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
13. Step 13: Gently fold in the flaked salmon.
14. Step 14: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or omit the cream and use a splash of reserved pasta water instead.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add lemon zest along with the juice.
• Try adding capers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra bursts of flavor.
• Use gluten-free or chickpea pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain frozen spinach well to avoid watering down the sauce. Add it after thawing and squeezing out excess liquid.

What’s the best way to tell when salmon is cooked?

Salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque appearance inside. Baking for 12-15 minutes at 400°F usually yields perfect results for a 1-pound fillet.

Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 95 reviews

A delightful and creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta featuring tender baked salmon, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a wholesome dinner that impresses with its balance of flavors and textures.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Pasta

• 1 pound pasta (penne, farfalle, or linguine)

Sauce and Vegetables

• 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed thoroughly
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Rub this mixture evenly over the salmon.
3. Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Flake the Salmon: Allow the salmon to cool slightly, then use a fork to flake it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside for later use.
5. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
6. Sauté Shallot and Garlic: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
7. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using, pour the 1/4 cup dry white wine into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits and allow the wine to simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
8. Add the Spinach: Add the washed spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
10. Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and additional red pepper flakes to taste.
11. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the tablespoon of lemon juice to add brightness and balance to the sauce.
12. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
13. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
14. Add Flaked Salmon: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the pasta and sauce mixture, taking care not to break up the salmon too much.
15. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
• The white wine is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor; you can omit it for a non-alcoholic meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
• Pasta water enhances the sauce texture, so don’t forget to reserve it before draining.
• Use fresh parmesan for the best flavor and smoother melting.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine.

Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, creamy salmon recipe, baked salmon pasta, easy dinner pasta, Italian pasta with salmon, healthy seafood pasta