Description
This healthy creamy Tuscan salmon pasta recipe combines whole wheat pasta with perfectly cooked salmon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and spinach all enveloped in a luscious light cream and Parmesan cheese sauce. A flavorful and nutritious meal ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Pasta
- 8 oz (about 225 g) whole wheat pasta
- 2 fresh salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz or 170 g each)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup light cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Collect all the ingredients to ensure everything is ready before you start cooking, making the process smooth and organized.
- Cook the salmon. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then fry the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce. Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, approximately 3-4 minutes. Pour in the light cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and salmon with the sauce. Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently stir it into the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve warm. Plate the pasta garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber content, making this dish more nutritious.
- You can substitute light cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also be added for extra freshness.
- If you prefer a less rich sauce, reduce the cream quantity or substitute with Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
- Salmon can be grilled or baked if you prefer an alternative cooking method.
