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- 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!

Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring fresh salmon and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 3
Calories 600 kcal

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

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and flake into large pieces once cool enough to handle.
  • In the same skillet, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the sauce, allowing it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Gently fold in the cooked pasta and flaked salmon into the creamy spinach sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, for added creaminess.
  • Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh dill or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.

Notes

Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Keyword creamy, pasta, salmon, spinach