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Close-up of a delicious Salmon Spinach Pasta dish, showcasing the creamy sauce and vibrant green spinach.

Salmon Spinach Pasta Easy Dinner

This Salmon Spinach Pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Flaky salmon, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta are combined in a creamy, lemony sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound pasta penne, farfalle, or fettuccine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • fork
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the garlic and spinach: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove spinach mixture from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the salmon: In the same skillet, add the salmon cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, turning once halfway through. Be careful not to overcook.
  4. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and butter to the skillet with the cooked salmon. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and spinach mixture to the skillet with the salmon sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a small amount of lemon zest to the sauce. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for spice. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Do not overcook the salmon when reheating.