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Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta: Restaurant-Style Weeknight Perfection

This creamy Tuscan salmon pasta transforms weeknight dinner into an elegant Italian restaurant experience with tender salmon, luxurious cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes with lean protein and Omega-3 benefits.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  2. Pat salmon pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides. This ensures a perfect sear.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  4. Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté onion until translucent (3-4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and seared salmon back to the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  7. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

Don't overcook the salmon - it continues cooking when added back to the hot sauce. Use starchy pasta water to adjust sauce thickness for perfect consistency. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.