This Spinach Salmon Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that brings together tender salmon, fresh spinach, and pasta. A great dish to impress friends or family!
The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, and who doesn’t love less cleanup? I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: You can use linguine or spaghetti for this recipe. If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free options, those will work well too! Just remember to adjust cooking times.
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best, but canned salmon is a handy substitute if you’re in a rush. Just drain it and add it to the dish at the same point as the flaked salmon.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with frozen spinach if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can swap it with half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Herbs: I love using fresh dill with salmon, but parsley or basil also work great for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Cook Salmon Perfectly?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but here’s my go-to method for ensuring it’s flaky and delicious every time:
- Start by seasoning the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. This ups the flavor!
- Heat the oil in the skillet before adding the salmon to avoid it sticking. Cook it skin-side down first if you have skin-on fillets, as it gives a nice texture.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. You want it just cooked through; it will continue to cook off the heat.
Once done, remember to let it rest for a minute before flaking, which helps keep it moist!
How to Make Spinach Salmon Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz fresh spinach leaves
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or parsley if preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Onion:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring them for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re fragrant and the onion is translucent. This will create a lovely base for your dish!
3. Cook the Salmon:
Next, place the salmon fillets into the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest. Cook the salmon for around 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through and flaky. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Add the Spinach:
In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach leaves. Stir and cook them just until they wilt, which should take about 2 minutes. It’s so vibrant and adds a lovely color!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and return it to the skillet with the wilted spinach.
6. Create the Sauce:
Add in the heavy cream, lemon juice, red chili flakes (if using), and the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce, spinach, and salmon.
8. Finishing Touches:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining lemon zest, fresh dill, and Parmesan cheese over the top. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you’d like.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Spinach Salmon Pasta is now ready to serve! Spoon it onto plates and garnish with additional dill or chili flakes if desired. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute with a non-dairy milk like coconut milk, but it may add a subtle flavor to the dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra cream to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic until tender before adding the spinach.