If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes with a balance of fresh and savory flavors, then this Creamy Salmon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes is a must-try! Made with flaky, pan-seared salmon, a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, and a pop of freshness from spinach and cherry tomatoes, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special date night dinner, this creamy salmon pasta is easy to make, protein-packed, and incredibly satisfying. It’s also versatile—swap ingredients, add spice, or make it dairy-free with simple tweaks.
Let’s get cooking and enjoy a plate of decadent salmon pasta with a burst of fresh flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔ Creamy & Flavorful – The perfect balance of savory, garlicky, and fresh.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with omega-3-rich salmon, fresh spinach, and tomatoes.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Easily modify ingredients based on preference.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and reheats well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
✔ 12 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
✔ 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
For the Salmon:
✔ 2 salmon fillets (skin removed)
✔ 1 teaspoon olive oil
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔ ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
For the Creamy Sauce:
✔ 2 tablespoons butter
✔ 4 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✔ 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
✔ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
✔ 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
✔ ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
✔ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔ 3 cups fresh spinach
✔ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
✔ ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
✔ Fresh basil leaves
✔ Extra Parmesan cheese
✔ Cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan, let cool slightly, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Spinach & Salmon
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add the flaked salmon, gently stirring to combine.
Step 5: Toss with Pasta & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately!
Best Cheese Pairings for This Pasta
🧀 Parmesan or Pecorino Romano – Adds a salty, nutty depth.
🧀 Goat Cheese – A tangy contrast to the creaminess.
🧀 Ricotta or Mascarpone – Extra creaminess for a velvety texture.
Variations & Add-Ons
1. Add Protein
🐔 Grilled Chicken – Swap salmon for grilled or rotisserie chicken.
🦐 Shrimp – Sauté separately and mix in at the end.
🌱 Tofu or Tempeh – For a plant-based protein boost.
2. Make It Dairy-Free
🥛 Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
3. Try Different Pasta
🍝 Swap spaghetti for penne, fettuccine, or tagliatelle.
4. Make It Spicy
🌶 Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Best Side Dishes:
🍞 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A light and refreshing contrast.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Best Drinks to Pair with This Pasta:
🍷 White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
🍷 Red Wine: A light Pinot Noir.
🥂 Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Expert Tips for the Best Pasta Dish
✔ Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but canned salmon works in a pinch.
✔ Save pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
✔ Cook the salmon separately to keep it tender and flaky.
✔ Add spinach at the end to maintain its bright green color.
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- On the Stovetop: Reheat on low with a splash of milk or broth.
- In the Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can You Freeze It?
- The cream-based sauce may separate when thawed. To fix this, whisk while reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Salmon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes is a simple yet elegant dish packed with rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and a creamy, dreamy sauce. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to be a hit!
Want More Delicious Pasta Recipes?
If you loved this Creamy Salmon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes, you’ll definitely enjoy another flavor-packed pasta dish – Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce! It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes.
👉 Check out the full recipe here: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Enjoy your next pasta night! 🍝✨
Try it today and let us know how you liked it! Happy cooking! 🍝🐟😊