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Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta

Luxurious pasta dish featuring tender salmon, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce, perfect for elegant dinners and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb salmon fillets skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup white wine optional
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • red pepper flakes optional
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season salmon pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on all sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add salmon pieces to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add white wine if using, and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent separation.
  8. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  10. Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat with the cream sauce, adding pasta water as needed for consistency.
  11. Gently fold in the cooked salmon pieces, being careful not to break them apart.
  12. Finish with fresh lemon juice, additional Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh salmon fillets and don't overcook them. The pasta water helps create a silky sauce consistency. Can be made with frozen spinach if thoroughly drained.