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Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta – Elegant Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Looking for a pasta dish that's comforting and gourmet? This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is a dinner dream. Juicy, flaky salmon melds beautifully with sautéed spinach, aromatics, and pasta, all tossed in a creamy Parmesan and white wine sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper. It’s cozy, vibrant, and so flavorful—ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re cooking to impress or craving a warm bowl of elegance, this pasta has everything: protein, greens, carbs, and that creamy, tangy finish that makes every forkful a treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🐟 Protein
  • 1 lb salmon fillet skin on or off
🍝 Pasta
  • 1 lb pasta linguine, fettuccine, or penne work best
🍃 Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 10 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 small shallot finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🧈 Dairy & Fats
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍷 Liquids & Seasoning
  • ¼ cup dry white wine e.g. Sauvignon Blanc
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Deep sauté pan or skillet
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Tongs or pasta spoon
  • Fish spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine grater or microplane (for Parmesan)

Method
 

Step 1. Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2. Sear the Salmon
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the salmon generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Place the fillet skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through.
  4. Transfer to a plate. Let cool slightly, then flake into chunks.
Step 3. Sauté Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Sauté the shallot until soft, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4. Deglaze with Wine
  1. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.
Step 5. Add Spinach & Cream
  1. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and stir in heavy cream.
  3. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add lemon juice and grated Parmesan; stir to melt and combine.
Step 6. Combine Pasta & Salmon
  1. Toss drained pasta into the sauce.
  2. Add flaked salmon and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  3. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce.
Step 7. Finish & Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
  3. Serve hot with a crisp glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to dairy and pasta texture.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out.
🥄 Variations
Smoked Salmon Swap: Use sliced smoked salmon added at the end for a no-cook protein twist.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup sliced cremini or shiitake with the shallots for an earthy touch.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Cheesy Twist: Add ¼ cup cream cheese for an ultra-silky sauce.
Herb Upgrade: Add chopped dill, basil, or tarragon in addition to parsley for layered flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw and squeeze dry before adding. Use about 5 oz frozen in place of fresh.
2. Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely! Use chicken broth or vegetable stock as a non-alcoholic substitute.
3. Which pasta shape works best?
Long pasta like linguine or fettuccine holds the sauce well, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni works too.
4. Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then flake and stir in as directed.
5. Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add mild heat. Omit or reduce for a milder version.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use a larger pan for the sauce and scale ingredients proportionally.
7. How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap cream with cashew cream or unsweetened coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
8. What wine is best to cook with?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds brightness without overpowering.
9. What if my sauce is too thick?
Use reserved pasta water or a bit of broth to loosen it to desired consistency.
10. Can I make it ahead?
Cook the components ahead and assemble just before serving for best texture and flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is the kind of dish that feels luxurious without requiring complicated steps or expensive ingredients. The flaky salmon, velvety sauce, and garlicky greens bring elegance to your everyday dinner table. Whether for a romantic date night or a fast weeknight fix, this pasta will always impress with its balanced, cozy, and elevated flavor.