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Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Salmon Spinach Pasta combining tender seared salmon, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. This dish brings together bright lemon zest and juice for a fresh finish and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, making it a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any night.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Protein

  • 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
  3. Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry and season it with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice to enhance flavor.
  4. Cook Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillet in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Flake Salmon: Remove the cooked salmon from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Then, using a fork, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces, keeping some larger chunks for texture.
  6. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  7. Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and tender.
  8. Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the spinach and garlic.
  9. Add Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce and the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Flavor Sauce: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand evenly.
  12. Add Salmon: Fold in the flaked salmon carefully to maintain some larger chunks. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  13. Serve: Dish out the salmon spinach pasta into bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  14. Enjoy and Store: Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly without diluting flavors.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional; omit or reduce if you prefer less heat.
  • To keep the salmon moist, avoid overcooking it in the skillet.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, noting that it may affect the richness of the sauce.

Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pasta dish, lemon salmon recipe, easy dinner recipe

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