Looking for a quick yet delicious dinner option? This creamy salmon pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. With tender salmon, rich sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection, this dish promises a delightful meal that comes together in no time.
It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner without leaving the comfort of your home. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray, place the salmon skin-side down on the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Bake the salmon for 14 to 16 minutes until it is nearly opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- As the salmon cooks, add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta once cooked and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream, white wine, lemon zest, and the remaining salt and pepper, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat and add the spinach and capers to the skillet.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and spinach in the skillet, cooking over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven, discard the skin, and break the salmon into large chunks. Gently toss the salmon pieces with the pasta and serve with optional lemon wedges for garnish.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, approximately 3/4 pound total (or one large fillet)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus extra for pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 box (5 ounces) baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3076kcal | Carbohydrates: 272g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 156g | Saturated Fat: 88g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Trans Fat: 0.8g | Cholesterol: 584mg | Sodium: 3032mg | Potassium: 2864mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 5332IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have everything on hand?
- Certainly, you can make some substitutions. If you don’t have white wine, try using chicken broth with a bit of lemon juice for acidity. If you prefer a different type of pasta, fettuccine or spaghetti will work well in place of linguine. Additionally, kale can be used instead of spinach.
- Is it possible to reheat or freeze this creamy salmon pasta?
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as seafood and creamy sauces don’t reheat or freeze well. If you have leftovers, it’s recommended to reheat them gently in the microwave at 50% power to avoid the sauce breaking.
- What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
- You can use any type of salmon you prefer, such as Atlantic or sockeye salmon. When purchasing, ask for a fillet with the skin on, weighing between 3/4 pound to a pound.
- Can I make this recipe without an oven?
- Yes, if you prefer not to use an oven, consider cooking the salmon using an Instant Pot or grilling it. Both methods will work well and still deliver great flavor.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with creamy salmon pasta?
- Since the pasta already includes spinach, you might opt to serve it without additional sides. However, if desired, balsamic green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette make excellent companions. Garlic bread is also a delicious option if you’re in the mood for more.
Tips
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer not to use the oven, consider using an instant pot or grill for the salmon. This can be a great option on warmer days when you want to keep the kitchen cool.
- Enhancing Salmon Flavor: While the salmon is simply seasoned with salt and pepper in the recipe, you can elevate the flavors by adding some lemon slices, rosemary, or thyme before cooking.
- Handling Leftovers: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat leftovers, do so using a microwave at 50% power. This helps in maintaining the integrity of the cream sauce without it breaking.
- Complementary Side Dishes: Although the recipe includes spinach, you might want to add a side of fiber-rich vegetables like balsamic green beans or roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
Equipment
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Rimmed baking pan
- High-sided skillet
