Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home? This One-Pot Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta is rich, flavorful, and packed with healthy omega-3s, protein, and greens. With tender salmon, fresh spinach, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes—all in one pot for easy cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
✅ Rich & Creamy – A luscious, cheesy garlic sauce.
✅ High in Protein & Omega-3s – Thanks to fresh salmon.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes!
✅ Perfect for Date Night or Meal Prep – A restaurant-style dish at home.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Want to make this recipe even easier? Check out these must-have kitchen tools (affiliate links included!):
✅ Nonstick Pan – Ideal for creamy sauces.
✅ Garlic Press – Quickly minces fresh garlic.
✅ Parmesan Grater – Freshly grated cheese melts best.
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Ingredients for Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into chunks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Salmon
- Season the salmon chunks with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes until soft.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta & Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Spinach & Salmon
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Gently fold the cooked salmon back into the pasta.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and black pepper.
📌 Serve warm and enjoy your creamy salmon pasta!
Recipe Tips & Variations
✔️ Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes or chili powder.
✔️ Swap the Pasta – Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles.
✔️ Use a Different Protein – Try shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of salmon.
✔️ Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
What to Serve with Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta
🥗 Garlic or Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥦 Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, mushrooms, or zucchini.
🍷 White Wine – Pairs beautifully with creamy pasta and salmon!
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
How to Store:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as dairy-based sauces can separate.
How to Reheat:
- Stovetop: Heat over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it completely, then pat dry before cooking.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! The sauce will be lighter but still creamy. Use whole milk for the best texture.
3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stir occasionally while simmering and add a little extra broth if needed.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
5. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work best for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta is the perfect quick, easy, and comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether for a weeknight dinner, date night, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to be a new favorite!
Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out in the comments!
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
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