Description
A delicious creamy salmon pasta that is rich and satisfying, featuring fresh spinach and a tangy lemon sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. The pasta becomes the perfect base for soaking up the creamy sauce later, creating a dish that feels rich and satisfying in every forkful.
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and gently flake into large pieces. The crispy edges and tender center give the salmon incredible texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step creates the flavorful base that makes the entire dish taste rich and comforting.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy. The lemon adds brightness that balances the richness of the salmon and cream perfectly.
- Add the Spinach: Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted. The spinach softens quickly and adds freshness, color, and a light earthy flavor to the pasta.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Gently fold in the flaked salmon and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. The final dish looks beautifully creamy with vibrant green spinach and tender pink salmon throughout.
Notes
- This dish can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Using fresh spaghetti can enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg