Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta brings together rich, flaky salmon with a luscious, lighter cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. This dish offers a nutritious yet indulgent flavor profile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. The combination of healthy fats, lean protein, and whole grains makes it both satisfying and wholesome.

ingredients

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

salmon fillets (skinless, boneless)olive oilgarlic (minced)sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)baby spinachlow-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurtskim milk or unsweetened almond milkParmesan cheese (grated)lemon juicewhole wheat or gluten-free pastasalt and pepperItalian seasoningfresh basil (for garnish)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.

Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt, followed by the milk to form a creamy sauce.

Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, adjust seasoning to taste.

Flake the cooked salmon into chunks and return it to the pan.

Toss in the cooked pasta and gently mix to coat everything in the sauce.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap salmon for grilled chicken or shrimp for a different protein.

Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a low-carb or higher-protein option.

Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Use cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, just ensure it’s boneless and well-drained before adding to the sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be—just use gluten-free pasta.

What’s a good dairy-free substitute for cream cheese?

Cashew cream or a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt works well.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but store the sauce and pasta separately for best texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely, just reduce or omit strong spices or sun-dried tomatoes if needed.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

What’s the best type of salmon to use?

Wild-caught salmon is ideal for flavor and nutrition.

Does this taste fishy?

No, the creamy, garlicky sauce balances the salmon flavor beautifully.

How can I add more fiber?

Use whole wheat pasta and add extra veggies like broccoli or peas.

Conclusion

Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta is a delightful fusion of indulgence and nutrition, perfect for elevating your dinner game without compromising on health. With its velvety sauce and savory salmon, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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