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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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