Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta Simple and Delicious Meal

Name: Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 200 g pasta (fettuccine or your choice); 250 g fresh salmon fillets, skinless; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; to taste salt and pepper; 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); for garnish fresh dill or parsley

October 12, 2025July 22, 2025 by Julie

Are you ready to impress your taste buds? This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is simple to make and bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that feels gourmet. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to win hearts. Let’s dive into the creamy goodness and make cooking fun and easy!

Why I Love This Recipe

Deliciously Creamy: This pasta dish is rich and satisfying, thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, making it a comforting meal any time of the year.
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritious Ingredients: Fresh salmon and spinach not only add flavor but also pack in essential nutrients, making this dish a wholesome choice for any meal.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients, whether you prefer a different type of pasta or want to add more veggies, making it adaptable to your taste.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 200g pasta (fettuccine or your choice)

– 250g fresh salmon fillets, skinless

– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

– Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

This dish shines with fresh ingredients. The salmon gives a rich flavor, while spinach adds color and nutrients. You can choose any pasta you like, but I find fettuccine holds the sauce nicely. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. If you want to cut calories, use a lighter cream or milk.

The garlic and onion bring depth to the dish. The lemon zest and juice add a bright note, balancing the creaminess. Parmesan cheese is optional, but I recommend it for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a nice finish.

Gathering these ingredients is easy. Most are common in any kitchen. With these simple items, you can create a meal that looks fancy but is quick to prepare. Just remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To boil pasta properly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and stir it well. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thicken the sauce later.

Preparing the Sauce and Salmon

Start by sautéing the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it is soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for one minute. Next, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, flake it into large pieces with a fork.

Combining Ingredients

In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, add the 2 cups of chopped spinach to the sauce. Allow it to wilt for about 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, gently fold in the cooked pasta and flaked salmon. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess. Enjoy your creamy salmon spinach pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Best Pasta to Use

Fettuccine works best for this dish. It holds the creamy sauce well. You can also use other types, like penne or spaghetti. Just ensure they cook al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty.

Flaking Salmon

After cooking the salmon, let it cool for a bit. Use a fork to flake it into large pieces. Make sure to remove any bones you find. Flaking while it’s warm makes it easier and keeps it tender.

Creaminess Adjustments

If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Do this slowly until you find the right creaminess. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps to thicken the sauce naturally. Adjusting the creaminess can make the dish just right for you.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for fettuccine or other flat pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce well, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Fresh Salmon is Key: Using fresh salmon fillets will give you the best flavor and texture. If fresh is not available, thawed frozen salmon works too.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream and replace it with additional broth or a splash of white wine.
Herbs Make a Difference: Fresh dill or parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this garnish for the best presentation and taste!

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can easily change the salmon in this dish. Chicken or shrimp works well. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cook them until golden, then slice or shred. If using shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and curl up. Both options taste great in a creamy sauce.

Adding Vegetables

Want to boost your meal with more veggies? You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just chop them and sauté them with the onion and garlic. These vegetables add color and flavor to your dish. They also give you extra nutrients, making your meal even healthier.

Gluten-Free Options

To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options made from rice or quinoa. Check the cooking time, as it may vary. You can also use spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option. This keeps your meal light and delicious!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your creamy salmon spinach pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it. Place the container in the fridge. This dish can last for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, avoid adding the garnishes before storing.

Freezing Guidelines

You can freeze this pasta dish, but it may lose some creaminess. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips

To maintain the dish’s creaminess, reheat it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to help bring back the texture. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your creamy salmon spinach pasta, just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, pat it dry before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and keeps it tender.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Blend it with some broth for a creamy texture. Silken tofu blended until smooth is another great option.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque and no longer translucent. Use a food thermometer for precise cooking. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Always check to avoid undercooking or overcooking the fish.

This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a delicious meal. You learned how to prepare salmon and pasta with a creamy sauce. I shared tips for storage and offered variations to suit your taste.

Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors. Enjoy creating this dish and sharing it with other

$- 200g pasta (fettuccine or your choice) - 250g fresh salmon fillets, skinless - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh dill or parsley for garnish This dish shines with fresh ingredients. The salmon gives a rich flavor, while spinach adds color and nutrients. You can choose any pasta you like, but I find fettuccine holds the sauce nicely. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. If you want to cut calories, use a lighter cream or milk. The garlic and onion bring depth to the dish. The lemon zest and juice add a bright note, balancing the creaminess. Parmesan cheese is optional, but I recommend it for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a nice finish. Gathering these ingredients is easy. Most are common in any kitchen. With these simple items, you can create a meal that looks fancy but is quick to prepare. Just remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To boil pasta properly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and stir it well. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thicken the sauce later. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it is soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for one minute. Next, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, flake it into large pieces with a fork. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, add the 2 cups of chopped spinach to the sauce. Allow it to wilt for about 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, gently fold in the cooked pasta and flaked salmon. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess. Enjoy your creamy salmon spinach pasta! Fettuccine works best for this dish. It holds the creamy sauce well. You can also use other types, like penne or spaghetti. Just ensure they cook al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty. After cooking the salmon, let it cool for a bit. Use a fork to flake it into large pieces. Make sure to remove any bones you find. Flaking while it's warm makes it easier and keeps it tender. If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Do this slowly until you find the right creaminess. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps to thicken the sauce naturally. Adjusting the creaminess can make the dish just right for you. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for fettuccine or other flat pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce well, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Fresh Salmon is Key: Using fresh salmon fillets will give you the best flavor and texture. If fresh is not available, thawed frozen salmon works too. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream and replace it with additional broth or a splash of white wine. Herbs Make a Difference: Fresh dill or parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this garnish for the best presentation and taste! {{image_2}} You can easily change the salmon in this dish. Chicken or shrimp works well. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cook them until golden, then slice or shred. If using shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and curl up. Both options taste great in a creamy sauce. Want to boost your meal with more veggies? You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just chop them and sauté them with the onion and garlic. These vegetables add color and flavor to your dish. They also give you extra nutrients, making your meal even healthier. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options made from rice or quinoa. Check the cooking time, as it may vary. You can also use spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option. This keeps your meal light and delicious! To keep your creamy salmon spinach pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it. Place the container in the fridge. This dish can last for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, avoid adding the garnishes before storing. You can freeze this pasta dish, but it may lose some creaminess. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To maintain the dish's creaminess, reheat it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to help bring back the texture. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your creamy salmon spinach pasta, just like fresh! Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, pat it dry before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and keeps it tender. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Blend it with some broth for a creamy texture. Silken tofu blended until smooth is another great option. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque and no longer translucent. Use a food thermometer for precise cooking. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Always check to avoid undercooking or overcooking the fish. This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a delicious meal. You learned how to prepare salmon and pasta with a creamy sauce. I shared tips for storage and offered variations to suit your taste. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors. Enjoy creating this dish and sharing it with others!$