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A bowl of creamy salmon spinach pasta topped with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge.

Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta

Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner loaded with flaky salmon, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a velvety parmesan garlic sauce. This high protein pasta recipe tastes elegant enough for a restaurant meal while coming together fast for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 590
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Salmon
  • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound salmon fillets skin removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and flaky. Salmon should reach 145°F. Remove from the skillet and break into large pieces.
  4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the half and half and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Add the spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
  8. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  9. Fold the salmon gently into the pasta and drizzle with lemon juice.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For the best texture, avoid overcooking the salmon so it stays tender and flaky. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.