Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. It features tender pasta coated in a luscious cream sauce, flaky salmon, and wilted spinach, all cooked together for easy cleanup. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish brings gourmet flavors to your table in under an hour with minimal effort.

ingredients

Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta (One-Pot Recipe)

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)olive oilgarliconionboneless salmon fillet (fresh or canned)baby spinachheavy creamparmesan cheesebroth (vegetable or chicken)saltblack pepperlemon juiceoptional: red pepper flakes or dill for garnish

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.

Add the salmon and cook until it’s just cooked through and begins to flake apart. If using canned salmon, stir it in and heat for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.

Once the pasta is nearly tender, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.

Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta is fully cooked.

Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted.

Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh dill if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Use smoked salmon instead of fresh for a different depth of flavor.

Substitute kale or arugula for spinach for a more robust green.

Add cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.

Swap the cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, canned salmon works well and saves time—just be sure to drain it first.

Can I make this without cream?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative like oat cream.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture and mild flavors are usually a hit with kids.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well and hold the sauce nicely.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the dish.

Does this work with other fish?

Yes, trout, cod, or even shrimp can be substituted for salmon.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Definitely—just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, peas, or zucchini are great additions.

What wine pairs well with this?

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy salmon perfectly.

Conclusion

Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta is a rich and nourishing one-pot recipe that delivers elegance and ease in every bite. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to option for any day of the week. Whip it up once, and it just might become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.