A rich, restaurant-style comfort dish
This creamy spinach salmon pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Tender, flaky salmon meets silky garlic cream sauce and vibrant spinach for a flavor-packed dinner that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy date-night meal at home, this salmon pasta recipe comes together quickly while delivering restaurant-quality results. The creamy texture, fresh herbs, and rich salmon create a balanced dish that’s satisfying without being heavy. If you’re looking for an easy salmon pasta recipe that tastes indulgent yet simple, this one is guaranteed to impress.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sear the Salmon
Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside. 🐟
3. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Sauce should look slightly thick and glossy.
5. Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. 🌿
6. Combine Everything
Flake the salmon into large chunks. Add pasta and salmon to the skillet. Toss gently. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce needs thinning.
7. Finish & Serve
Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm and enjoy! 🍝✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine while simmering.
- Crispy Finish: Top with toasted breadcrumbs for texture contrast.
🔄 Variations
- Use penne, linguine, or spaghetti instead of fettuccine.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I use canned salmon?
You can, but fresh salmon gives better texture and flavor.
How do I keep salmon from drying out?
Cook just until it flakes easily with a fork and avoid overcooking.