If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines creamy textures, fresh greens, and rich seafood flavors, then you are going to love this Salmon Pasta with Spinach. This recipe balances the tender flakes of salmon with vibrant spinach and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all embraced by tender pasta. It’s a meal that feels fancy yet comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a cozy weekend dinner, this Salmon Pasta with Spinach is guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your tastebuds in the best possible way.

Salmon Pasta with Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Salmon Pasta with Spinach lies in its handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role: the salmon adds a deliciously flaky protein, pasta gives a comforting base, and spinach brings fresh color and nutrients. Together, they create a dish that’s both impressive and approachable.

1 lb. salmon (skinless and boneless): Choose fresh or thawed salmon for tender, flavorful flakes throughout the dish.
8 oz. uncooked pasta (campanelle preferred): This pasta shape catches the sauce beautifully, but any short pasta will work.
3 tbsp. butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onion for a deep flavor foundation.
1 medium onion (chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness that complements the salmon perfectly.
6 oz. baby spinach: Adds vibrant color, a mild earthiness, and a healthy dose of greens.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that ties all the flavors together.
1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Brings a salty, nutty depth with a gooey, cheesy finish.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and slight bite.
2 tbsp. parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the dish in the end.
1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1/4 tsp. pepper (or to taste): Adds subtle heat to balance the cream and cheese.

How to Make Salmon Pasta with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente — tender with a bit of bite. This perfectly cooked pasta is the ideal canvas to soak up the creamy salmon sauce you’ll prepare next. Drain and set aside, but save a bit of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the onions becoming translucent and sweetening — this is the flavor base that will carry the dish beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Add your salmon pieces directly into the skillet with the onions. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the salmon into those irresistible flakes as it softens. This step infuses the butter and onion flavors into the fish, making every bite packed with savory satisfaction.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Next, throw in the baby spinach and cook it just long enough for it to wilt, about 1 to 2 minutes. This quick cooking keeps the spinach bright and tender, adding both a punch of color and a tender texture that contrasts gorgeously with the salmon.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If you love a little kick, this is the perfect moment to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the salmon and spinach like a dream.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish

Finally, add your cooked pasta to the skillet along with the chopped parsley. Stir everything thoroughly so the pasta is generously dressed in the creamy sauce and studded with salmon and bright spinach. For the ultimate finishing touch, sprinkle a little more parsley and Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Your Salmon Pasta with Spinach is ready to delight!

How to Serve Salmon Pasta with Spinach

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving not only enhances the flavor but also creates an inviting, fresh appearance. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This creamy, hearty pasta loves to be paired with something light and crisp like a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Toasted garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works beautifully to scoop up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a little elegance by plating the pasta in shallow wide bowls, allowing the salmon flakes and spinach to sit on top for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation. For a casual crowd, family-style serving in a large, colorful dish encourages sharing and adds to the warm, communal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salmon Pasta with Spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop deliciously overnight, making it just as tasty (if not more) when reheated.

Freezing

Because of the creamy sauce, freezing is not ideal as it can cause separation and texture changes. If you must freeze leftovers, do so in small portions and thaw gently to minimize this effect.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if necessary to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently to keep everything evenly warmed without drying out the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry before cooking to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What pasta types work best?

Campanelle is excellent because of its shape, but penne, fusilli, or even farfalle are wonderful alternatives that hold the sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or any dairy-free cream substitute, and opt for a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes to give it a gentle kick if you enjoy some heat in your meals.

How can I keep the spinach from getting mushy?

Cook the spinach briefly until just wilted. Overcooking leads to mushiness, so 1 to 2 minutes is perfect.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the creamy, savory bites of Salmon Pasta with Spinach, and it’s a dish that never fails to impress both family and guests. Its balance of indulgent creaminess and fresh, vibrant greens makes it my go-to whenever I want a meal that feels special but is easy to make. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a favorite at your table too!

Salmon Pasta with Spinach Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: Aiden
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful Salmon Pasta with Spinach recipe featuring tender salmon flakes, sautéed spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked campanelle pasta. This quick and elegant dish balances protein, greens, and comfort food goodness for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the campanelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Cook Salmon: Add the skinless, boneless salmon pieces to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the salmon into flaky pieces as it cooks through.
Cook Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
Make Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked campanelle pasta and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to combine and coat the pasta evenly in the creamy salmon and spinach sauce. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use skinless, boneless salmon for easy flaking and better texture.
Campanelle pasta is recommended, but other medium pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well.
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Ensure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its tender texture.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: salmon pasta, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta, healthy pasta recipe, seafood pasta