Creamy Salmon and Spinach Pasta (One-Pot)
This one-pot creamy salmon and spinach pasta is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring flaky salmon, a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and fresh spinach, this dish is packed with flavor while keeping cleanup minimal.The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, creating a luscious, restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets fresh or frozen, skin removed
- 8 ounces pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Salmon
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Place the salmon in the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky.
- Remove the salmon from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Deglaze the Pot
- In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze, capturing all the flavorful bits.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Same Pot
- Add the pasta, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens (about 12 minutes).
Step 4: Add Spinach & Parmesan
- Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
Step 5: Return the Salmon
- Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently stir it back into the pasta.
- Add lemon juice and zest, then adjust seasoning if needed.