Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta - Restaurant-Worthy in 25 Minutes!

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is a quick, delicious meal that's easy enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough for a special occasion.

Harriet Collins

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-11T11:28:41.687Z

This dish combines the richness of salmon with the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a creamy sauce, making it a perfect comfort food!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite
  • Quick and easy preparation, ready in just 25 minutes
  • Nutritious spinach adds a healthy twist to this indulgent dish

A Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Life can get busy, and sometimes you need a meal that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and taste. This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta fits the bill beautifully. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can transform everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish. It's the ideal solution for those weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it also offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce envelops the pasta, while the fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Plus, using cooked salmon makes it even easier, as you can simply flake and fold it into the sauce without any extra cooking time.

Elevate Your Dinner Parties

If you're looking to impress guests without the stress, this Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is the perfect choice. The richness of the creamy sauce combined with the fresh spinach and tender salmon creates a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Serve it in elegant bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of sophistication.

Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine or a refreshing salad to round out the meal. Its versatility makes it a fantastic option for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to more formal dinner parties. Your guests will be raving about this dish long after the last bite!

Healthy Indulgence

Indulging in creamy pasta doesn't have to mean sacrificing nutrition. This recipe includes fresh spinach, which is packed with vitamins and minerals, adding a healthy twist to your meal. Spinach is not only a great source of iron and calcium, but it also boosts the dish's color and freshness.

Additionally, by using salmon, you're incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. This dish proves that you can enjoy a rich, flavorful meal while still being mindful of your health. It's all about finding that sweet spot between indulgence and nourishment!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Note: Feel free to substitute the salmon with chicken or shrimp if desired!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Spinach and Cream

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Combine Everything

Stir in the flaked salmon and cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Cooking Tips

When preparing the fettuccine, be sure to cook it just until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, which will enhance the overall texture of the dish. Remember to reserve that 1/2 cup of pasta water! It’s a game changer for adjusting the sauce consistency.

For the salmon, you can use leftover cooked salmon, canned salmon, or even a store-bought pre-cooked option. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the flavor profile even more.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or the reserved pasta water to help restore the creaminess of the sauce. Gently heat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, be aware that the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month for the best quality.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it's thoroughly cooked before adding to the sauce.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or asparagus for more variety.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream is gluten-free.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.

Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta - Restaurant-Worthy in 25 Minutes!

This Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is a quick, delicious meal that's easy enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough for a special occasion.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Harriet Collins

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pasta

  1. 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  2. Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce

  1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 1 small onion, finely chopped
  3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  4. 8 oz fresh spinach
  5. 1 cup heavy cream
  6. 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
  7. Salt and pepper, to taste
  8. Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 03

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Step 04

Stir in the flaked salmon and cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 6g