Salmon Pasta for Two
Indulge in the ultimate date-night dinner with this creamy, flavorful Salmon Pasta for Two. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce, studded with flaked golden-seared salmon and vibrant wilted spinach. A splash of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty touch, while optional red chili flakes bring a hint of heat for those who love bold flavors. This easy yet elegant recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for intimate dinners or special occasions. Garnished with fresh parsley and served piping hot, this dish is a delightful way to elevate weeknight meals or impress your loved one.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 150 grams pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 200 grams salmon fillet (skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 150 milliliters heavy cream
- 30 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the cooked pasta aside.
Season the salmon fillet with a pinch of salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until it is cooked through and has light golden edges. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and gently stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce. Drizzle in the lemon juice and stir everything to combine.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Add more reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve a silky consistency.
Divide the pasta between two plates, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1602 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 116.1 g | 149% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.6 g | 258% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 333 mg | 111% | |
| Sodium | 1902 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.8 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 73.3 g | 147% | |
| Vitamin D | 18.5 mcg | 93% | |
| Calcium | 442 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 759 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
