WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Looking for a quick, tasty meal? My Salmon Spinach Pasta is a perfect choice! This dish is not only flavorful, but it’s also easy to whip up. Packed with fresh ingredients, it brings together the rich taste of salmon and healthy spinach. Let me guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Dive in and discover how simple it can be!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach and salmon, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Creamy Delight: The rich creamy sauce with Parmesan and lemon zest elevates the dish to a gourmet level.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, whether by adding more veggies or swapping the pasta type.
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredients List
For the perfect Salmon Spinach Pasta, gather these fresh ingredients:
– 200g fettuccine pasta
– 2 skinless salmon fillets
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill for garnish
Measurements and Substitutions
Let’s talk about measurements and substitutions. You can use any pasta you like. If you prefer whole wheat, go ahead! For the salmon, fresh is best, but frozen works too. Just make sure it’s thawed. If you’re low on heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. You can swap in nutritional yeast for the Parmesan if you want a vegan option.
Recommended Freshness Tips
Freshness matters in this dish. Always choose bright green spinach. Look for firm salmon fillets with no fishy smell. For the garlic, use fresh cloves for the best flavor. When possible, buy ingredients from local markets. This choice supports farmers and gives you the freshest items. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but save a cup of pasta water. This water helps later to adjust the sauce.
Preparing the Salmon
While your pasta cooks, get your salmon ready. Season the skinless salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets to the skillet and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be fully cooked but not dry. Once done, remove them from the skillet and use a fork to flake the salmon into bite-sized chunks.
Sautéing Garlic and Spinach
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach. Cook it for about 2 minutes until it wilts down. This adds a nice flavor and color to your dish.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Now, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it in to combine it with the garlic and spinach. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Mix it well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If it seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency.
Combining Ingredients
Gently toss the cooked fettuccine and flaked salmon into the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and salmon are well-coated. Heat everything through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Plate the pasta in serving bowls. For an aromatic touch, garnish with freshly chopped dill. This adds a lovely color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your Salmon Spinach Pasta straight away for the best taste!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Perfectly Flaky Salmon
To cook salmon just right, use skinless fillets. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want it to flake easily. If it’s tough, you cooked it too long. Keep an eye on it to get that perfect texture.
Achieving the Ideal Pasta Consistency
Start with a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente. This means it should have a little bite to it. Drain the pasta but save a cup of the water. This water can help thin your sauce later if it’s too thick. Mixing the pasta while it’s hot helps it soak up flavors.
Enhancing Flavor with Additions
For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. These small changes can elevate your meal to a new level.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and spinach will elevate the dish’s flavor and nutritional value, making your pasta truly delightful.
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the fettuccine until al dente for the best texture; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add herbs like basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s aroma.

Variations
Alternative Proteins
If you want to switch things up, try using chicken or shrimp instead of salmon. For chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook in the skillet until golden brown. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add them last. Just sauté until they turn pink and opaque.
Different Pasta Shapes
While I love fettuccine, you can use other pasta shapes too. Penne or fusilli work well with the creamy sauce. They hold the sauce nicely. You can even try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Just follow package instructions for cooking times.
Making it Dairy-Free
To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Both will keep the creaminess. For the cheese, use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without dairy.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Guidelines
To store Salmon Spinach Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to seal it well to avoid drying out. If you add more cream while storing, it will stay creamy longer.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat the pasta gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heat. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream. This helps to bring back the creamy texture. Heat over low heat, stirring often.
Freezing Tips for Leftovers
You can freeze Salmon Spinach Pasta for up to two months. Divide it into portions before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as described above. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. They will give a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These options keep the dish rich and tasty.
How long can leftover Salmon Spinach Pasta be stored?
Store leftover Salmon Spinach Pasta in the fridge for up to three days. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and salmon earlier in the day. Store them separately in the fridge. Add the spinach and sauce just before serving for the best flavor.
What sides pair well with Salmon Spinach Pasta?
A fresh salad or garlic bread goes well with this dish. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables. These sides complement the creamy pasta and add more texture to your meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Salmon Spinach Pasta is great for meal prep. Cook it in advance and divide it into portions. You can enjoy it throughout the week for lunch or dinner. Just store it in the fridge and reheat as needed.
This blog post covers the key steps to make Salmon Spinach Pasta. We went over ingredients, including measurements and freshness tips. The step-by-step guide showed how to cook pasta, prepare salmon, and create the sauce. I shared tips for the best results and variations for different diets. Finally, we discussed storage and answered common questions.
With this knowledge, you can cook a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy impressing your family and friends with this tasty dis
Salmon Spinach Pasta Delight
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring salmon and fresh spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 600 kcal
- 200 g fettuccine pasta
- 2 fillets skinless salmon
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 zest lemon
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh dill
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and flake into chunks.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and spinach. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, mixing well until the cheese melts. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Gently toss the cooked fettuccine and salmon into the creamy spinach sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the pasta in serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped dill for an aromatic touch.
Adjust seasoning to taste and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Keyword creamy, dinner, pasta, salmon, spinach
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?