Are you tired of bland, uninspired meals that leave you craving something extraordinary? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible Salmon Pasta with Spinach recipe that combines the rich, luxurious flavor of perfectly cooked salmon with the vibrant freshness of tender spinach. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will make your family and friends think you've secretly trained as a professional chef!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 salmon fillets, cooked
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. If not already cooked, you can grill, bake, or pan-sear the salmon fillets until they are cooked through and flaky. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sautéed spinach and garlic.
- Gently toss the pasta with the spinach and garlic, adding the flaked salmon. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, allowing the flavors to meld for another 1-2 minutes.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the salmon pasta warm, garnished with additional olive oil or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets and crisp spinach for the best flavor profile.
- Don't Overcook the Salmon: Aim for a flaky, moist texture by cooking the salmon just until it's opaque and easily breaks apart.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce that helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Timing is Key: Start cooking the salmon and preparing the spinach while the pasta is boiling to ensure everything is hot and fresh when you combine the ingredients.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook, building layers of flavor throughout the preparation.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to elevate the dish's complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
