Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta: Restaurant-Style Weeknight Dinner
Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta: Restaurant-Style Weeknight Dinner
This creamy Tuscan salmon pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table in under 30 minutes! With tender salmon fillets swimming in a luxurious garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss. The rich, comforting flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you’re looking for more quick and delicious pasta dinners, try our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or our Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta for equally impressive results.
Ingredients
- 12 oz salmon fillets, skin removed
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and add to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan before serving immediately.
Expert Tips
For perfectly cooked salmon, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the fish – this creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
This dish is versatile! Try adding artichokes or mushrooms for extra flavor. For more seafood pasta inspiration, check out our Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe with mixed greens.
If you enjoy this Italian-inspired meal, you’ll love our Delicious Bruschetta Pasta Salad for a fresh summer option.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best? Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine also works beautifully.
Can I make this ahead? It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream.
For more comforting pasta dishes, try our Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for another delicious option.
Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta: Restaurant-Style Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and add to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan before serving immediately.
