Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner

There’s something magical about the combination of tender salmon, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta all brought together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This spinach salmon pasta recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal.

The rich, buttery sauce complements the flaky salmon beautifully, while fresh spinach adds color, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor that ties everything together.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The salmon gets a perfect golden sear that locks in moisture, the spinach wilts down into silky ribbons, and the cream sauce brings everything together in perfect harmony. It’s comfort food at its finest, with an elegant twist that makes any dinner feel like a celebration.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Equipment Needed

• Large pasta pot
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using whole Parmesan)
• Serving bowls
• Tongs for pasta

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Ingredients

For the Pasta and Salmon:

• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like mild seawater – this is crucial for properly seasoned pasta.

Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this will help bind the sauce later.

2. Season and Sear the Salmon

While the pasta cooks, pat the salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels – this is essential for achieving that beautiful golden crust.

Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

Add the salmon cubes, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Remove salmon to a plate and set aside.

3. Build the Creamy Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those browned bits add incredible flavor), reduce heat to medium and add butter.

Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the white wine if using, and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and reduce slightly.

4. Create the Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

5. Add the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the cream sauce in batches, stirring gently as each batch wilts down.

This usually takes 2-3 minutes total. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume, so don’t worry if it looks like too much at first.

6. Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Using tongs, toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.

Gently fold in the seared salmon cubes, being careful not to break them apart. Stir in fresh lemon juice and Italian seasoning.

7. Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed. The dish should be creamy, well-seasoned, and have a bright note from the lemon.

Serve immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Provide lemon wedges on the side for those who want extra brightness.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredient values

Pro Tips for Perfect Spinach Salmon Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon continues cooking even after removing it from heat, so slightly undercook it knowing it will finish cooking when combined with the hot pasta and sauce.

Use Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works best as it’s tender and wilts quickly. Avoid frozen spinach for this recipe as it can make the sauce watery.

Save That Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for binding sauces. It helps create that silky, restaurant-quality finish.

Room Temperature Cream: Let your heavy cream come to room temperature before adding it to prevent curdling when it hits the hot pan.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Different Proteins: Try this recipe with chicken breast, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta for variety.

Pasta Alternatives: Penne, rigatoni, or even gnocchi work wonderfully with this sauce.

Vegetable Additions: Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus make excellent additions to this dish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover spinach salmon pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to a pan over low heat and warm gently, stirring frequently. The sauce may appear slightly separated when cold, but gentle reheating will bring it back together.

For best results, I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce and salmon texture can be compromised during the freezing and thawing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

This spinach salmon pasta recipe brings together the best of comfort food and elegant dining. The combination of perfectly seared salmon, wilted spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and become a regular in your dinner rotation.