The Zesty Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy and comforting, this salmon spinach pasta brings elegant Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table.

Fresh wild-caught salmon mingles beautifully with tender spinach leaves, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal.

The delicate fish combines perfectly with al dente pasta, promising a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich salmon and earthy spinach, complemented by a silky sauce.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dish that feels both luxurious and wholesome.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a gourmet meal without hours of cooking.

This recipe will become your new weeknight favorite, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.

FAQs

• Is salmon the best fish for this pasta recipe?

Salmon is ideal due to its rich flavor, high omega-3 content, and ability to flake easily into perfect bite-sized pieces for pasta dishes.

• Can I use Greek yogurt as a healthy sauce base?

Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy sauce that’s lower in calories compared to heavy cream, adding protein and a lighter texture to the pasta.

• Why add reserved pasta water to the sauce?

Pasta water contains starchy residue that helps the sauce cling better to the noodles, creating a smoother and more cohesive dish with improved consistency.

• How do red pepper flakes enhance the recipe?

Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of salmon and creating a more complex taste profile without overwhelming the dish.

Salmon Spinach Pasta Flavor Highlights

• This salmon spinach pasta comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with protein from salmon, iron-rich spinach, and whole grains, this dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied and supports overall health.
• The recipe allows simple modifications like swapping yogurt for cream, adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes, or adding different herbs to match your taste preferences.
• Minimal cleanup is required since most ingredients are prepared and combined in the same pot, reducing dishwashing time and making post-meal relaxation more enjoyable.

Salmon Spinach Pasta Shopping List

• Salmon: Fresh fillet with delicate flavor and rich omega-3 fatty acids.

• Pasta, Spinach: Pasta provides a hearty base while spinach adds nutritional value and vibrant green color.

• Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Flakes, Dill, Lemon Zest, Salt, Pepper: Yogurt creates a creamy base, lemon juice adds brightness, red pepper flakes bring heat, dill and lemon zest provide herbal notes, salt and pepper enhance overall seasoning.

Equipment for Perfect Pasta Night

• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy salmon roasting.
• Large Pot: For cooking pasta and creating final dish.
• Colander: To drain pasta perfectly.
• Sharp Knife: For breaking salmon into delicate chunks.
• Measuring Cup: Essential for reserving pasta water.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for gently tossing ingredients.
• Zester: To create fresh lemon zest for salmon seasoning.
• Oven: Needed to bake salmon at 400F.

Preparing Salmon Spinach Pasta Stepwise

Step 1: Roast the Salmon

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place salmon skin-side down, season evenly with fresh dill, lemon zest, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Roast 7–10 minutes until opaque and flaky.

Step 2: Flake Salmon

Remove salmon from oven. Carefully separate skin and break fish into bite-sized chunks with a fork.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make Spinach Sauce

Return pasta to pot on low heat. Add fresh spinach and toss until wilted.

Stir in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce to a silky consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Fold salmon chunks into pasta and sauce gently. Remove from heat, plate, and serve warm.

Pasta Tips for Creamy, Luscious Bites

• Break salmon into large, uneven chunks to maintain texture and prevent turning the fish into mush during final tossing.
• Always save some starchy pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
• Add fresh spinach directly to hot pasta off the heat to prevent overcooking and retain vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Sprinkle extra lemon zest just before serving to intensify the bright, fresh flavor and add a fragrant citrus aroma.
• Use room temperature yogurt to prevent curdling and ensure a creamy, smooth sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

Pasta Variations to Mix It Up

• Vegan Seafood Swap: Replace salmon with baked tofu or tempeh marinated in lemon and dill for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or brown rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute yogurt with cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a creamy sauce without dairy ingredients.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate kalamata olives, feta cheese crumbles, and swap red pepper flakes for oregano to create a Greek-inspired version of the dish.

Presenting Salmon Spinach Pasta at the Table

• Zesty Lemon Garnish: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and chopped dill on top for a bright, citrusy flavor that enhances the salmon's richness.
• Creamy Texture Boost: Add a dollop of extra Greek yogurt on the side to create a tangy, velvety contrast to the pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate salmon and lemony sauce.
• Crispy Green Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for an added textural element that gives a delightful crunch to each bite.

How to Store Salmon Spinach Pasta Smoothly

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring salmon and spinach remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Separate sauce and salmon to prevent texture breakdown during freezing.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or extra yogurt to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of water or extra yogurt. Stir gently to restore sauce consistency and prevent salmon from overcooking.

Salmon Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean salmon spinach pasta brings elegant flavors from coastal Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and perfectly seared salmon create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) salmon fillet with skin
• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Greek yogurt

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet with skin facing down, generously seasoning with dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast salmon for 7-10 minutes until fully opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Carefully separate fish from skin, breaking into rustic bite-sized pieces.
3. Simultaneously, cook pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Before draining, carefully set aside one cup of starchy pasta water.
4. Return drained pasta to the warm pot over low heat. Immediately add fresh spinach leaves, stirring gently until greens become delicately wilted and vibrant.
5. Incorporate creamy yogurt, bright lemon juice, and fiery red pepper flakes into the pasta mixture. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water as needed for smooth, silky texture.
6. Gently fold salmon chunks into the herbed pasta, ensuring each piece becomes lightly coated with the zesty sauce. Plate immediately while warm and serve.

Notes

• Customize Salmon Choice: Opt for wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and more omega-3 nutrients, or choose farm-raised for budget-friendly option.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch salmon closely during baking to maintain tender, moist texture; slightly undercook as it will continue cooking from residual heat.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap yogurt with coconut cream or plant-based alternative to make recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Boost Nutrition: Add extra vegetables like roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed bell peppers to increase vegetable content and enhance overall dish complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg