Bright, creamy, and ready in about 30 minutes, this cozy pasta dish pairs tender, flaky salmon with fresh herbs and spinach for a weeknight winner. Pasta with Salmon brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table with minimal fuss, and it reheats beautifully for easy lunches. For another simple idea, try this 4-ingredient pasta salad for side-dish inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Salmon
- Rich, comforting cream sauce meets light, flaky salmon for balanced flavor.
- Ready in about 30 minutes for fast weeknight dinners.
- Leftovers reheat well, making great lunches or meal-prep options.
- Family-friendly textures and mild flavors that please most palates.
- Uses pantry staples and fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Ingredients Needed
Protein
- 1 lb flaky salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Pasta/Grains
- 12 oz penne pasta
Veggies & Herbs
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional to thin sauce)
Spices
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Toppings (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions 5
1. Cook the penne pasta
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Cook the salmon
Add the flaky salmon and cook until it is just done. Flake the salmon with a fork.
4. Wilt the greens and herbs
Stir in the fresh herbs and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
5. Add the cream and season
Pour in the cream and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine pasta and sauce
Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix well until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
7. Serve and garnish
Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions Pasta with Salmon
- Serve with a crisp green salad and lemon wedges to brighten the plate.
- Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a simple veggie side.
- Top with extra fresh dill and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with citrus.
- For a chilled pasta side, consider a light cucumber option like this cucumber pasta salad alongside it.
Tips for Success Pasta with Salmon
- Don’t overcook the salmon; remove from heat when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use medium heat when cooking cream to prevent curdling and keep texture smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding cream to avoid overseasoning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Swap salmon for cooked shrimp or canned tuna for a different seafood option.
- Add heat with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Make it dairy-free by using full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes or peas for extra color and texture.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Pasta with Salmon
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the flaky salmon and cook until it is just done. Flake the salmon with a fork.
- Stir in the fresh herbs and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
- Pour in the cream and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix well until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
