Description
Enjoy a delightful Spinach Salmon Pasta featuring tender salmon fillets, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This quick and satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb (450 g) 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 lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine with the spinach and onion mixture.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the spinach salmon pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious spinach salmon pasta warm!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Canned or smoked salmon can be used as a quicker alternative; just add it at the end to warm through.
- Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for a delightful meal experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes