Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious pasta dish that's incredibly creamy, packed with protein, and surprisingly healthy - all without using a drop of heavy cream! This Creamy Salmon Pasta is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Perfect for seafood lovers, health-conscious foodies, and anyone craving a quick yet sophisticated meal that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb salmon fillets
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of salmon fillets, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and seasonings of salt and pepper.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the pasta of your choice to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned salmon fillets to the skillet.
- Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the spinach and garlic mixture.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta and spinach mixture.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow the dish to heat through for another minute on low heat.
- Serve the creamy salmon pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Always opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce without cream.
- Don't Overcook the Salmon: Aim for a slightly pink center to keep the fish tender and moist. It will continue cooking slightly after removing from heat.
- Quick Garlic Tip: Sauté garlic briefly to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Parmesan Cheese Hack: Grate your own parmesan for a fresher, more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- One-Pan Convenience: By using the same skillet for salmon, garlic, and final mixing, you'll maximize flavor and minimize cleanup.
- Customize Your Greens: Swap spinach with kale or arugula for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
