Pasta con Salmone e Spinaci is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish combining tender salmon with fresh spinach. The rich, buttery salmon pairs beautifully with the lightness of spinach and a creamy sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious meal:
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or farfalle)
- 200g (7 oz) fresh salmon fillet, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 200g (7 oz) fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Prepare the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillet with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the salmon fillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and easily flaked with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the cream cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Add Spinach and Salmon:
- Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much.
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Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
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Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Lemon wedges on the side can be used for a touch of extra brightness.
Pasta con Salmone e Spinaci is a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the richness of the salmon and cream sauce. Enjoy!
