Description

Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta is a quick and delicious dinner option combining tender seared salmon, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine. This comforting dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weekday meal for any seafood lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces Fettuccine (feel free to swap for any pasta shape you love)

Protein

1 pound Salmon Fillet (can be replaced with grilled shrimp or chicken)

Sauce and Vegetables

1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh preferred, garlic powder can work)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (nutritional yeast for vegan alternative)
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (fresh preferred, bottled acceptable)
2 cups Fresh Spinach (frozen spinach is an alternative)

Other

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (canola oil or butter are good alternatives)
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Fresh Parsley or Basil for garnish

Instructions

Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Season and Sear Salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Cook Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Flake and Add Salmon: Flake the seared salmon into bite-sized pieces and fold it gently into the pasta mixture.
Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness before serving.

Notes

You can replace salmon with grilled shrimp or chicken for variation.
Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Frozen spinach works well if fresh spinach is unavailable—just thaw and drain excess water first.
Parmesan cheese can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Fresh garlic is preferred for best flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy salmon pasta, spinach pasta, fettuccine recipe, quick dinner, easy seafood pasta, creamy garlic sauce