Pin This creamy Tuscan salmon pasta delivers everything I crave in a comfort meal rich salmon, sun dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, and a Parmesan laced sauce that clings to every ribbon of pasta It is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests
I discovered this recipe when I wanted to use leftover salmon in a new way After that first bite the dish instantly became a regular feature on my menu Now everyone asks for it for special occasions and easy dinners alike
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: Quality salmon brings unbeatable texture and flavor Choose wild caught if possible for better taste
- Fettuccine or penne pasta: These shapes hold sauce beautifully Use bronze cut pasta for even more absorption
- Olive oil: For flavor and to sear the salmon Use extra virgin for best results
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes the sauce aromatic Avoid pre chopped garlic for the brightest flavor
- Sun dried tomatoes: These add tang and umami Try to select oil packed sun dried tomatoes for easy chopping and extra richness
- Baby spinach: Fresh leaves provide color and a tender bite Look for crisp baby spinach without wilted spots
- Heavy cream: The base of the sauce Double check the expiration date for freshest results
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts best Use a microplane for fluffy shreds
- Italian seasoning: Brings Tuscan herb notes Blend of basil oregano rosemary and thyme
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all flavors Use freshly cracked pepper for a slight bite
- Chopped parsley: Optional but makes your dish pop Choose flat leaf parsley for stronger flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Place a large pot of salted water over high heat Once boiling add pasta and cook until just al dente about ten minutes Drain pasta and set aside reserving half a cup of the cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce
- Sear the Salmon:
- Cut salmon into bite sized cubes then season with salt and black pepper Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add salmon pieces in a single layer Let them sear undisturbed for two to three minutes until a golden crust forms Flip and cook another two minutes until opaque all the way through Gently remove salmon to a plate and set aside
- Build the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet over medium heat add a touch more oil if needed Toss in minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes Stir constantly for a minute or two until the garlic wafts a rich aroma but do not let it burn The tomatoes will soften and release flavor
- Create the Cream Sauce:
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet while stirring gently Let it come to a slow simmer Add parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning Stir well until the cheese dissolves and the sauce is silky and thick
- Wilt the Spinach:
- Add baby spinach to the skillet Fold it into the sauce so it wilts evenly This takes about a minute and gives a deep emerald color
- Add Salmon Back In:
- Carefully return the seared salmon to the skillet Stir gently so you do not break it up too much Coat each piece with the creamy sauce
- Combine With Pasta:
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce Toss gently to cover each strand or tube If the sauce is too thick splash in some reserved pasta water
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness Serve immediately while hot
Pin I absolutely love how sun dried tomatoes infuse tangy flavor into each bite They remind me of family holidays around a bustling table sunlight flooding in as we pass around bowls piled high with this pasta The color always makes everyone smile
Storage Tips
Let the pasta cool completely before storing Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or water to keep the sauce creamy
Ingredient Substitutions
If fresh salmon is not available use canned or smoked salmon For a lighter option swap heavy cream with half and half or evaporated milk Gluten free pasta also works well if needed
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread for scooping up extra sauce A crisp side salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette brings freshness Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans balance out the richness
Cultural and Historical Context
Tuscan inspired pasta dishes combine warm Mediterranean flavors sun dried tomatoes Parmesan bold herbs and fresh greens The combination of fish pasta and cream is beloved in Italian American homes especially in coastal regions
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap spinach with arugula or kale in winter Use fresh cherry tomatoes in summer when sun dried are scarce Add a pinch of chili flakes in cooler months for heat
Success Stories
Many people make this dish for dinner parties and always mention how quickly it disappears from the table It is one of those comforting recipes you will reach for anytime you want to impress without stress
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze the cooked salmon mixture and sauce separately from cooked pasta The sauce reheats best on the stove top after thawing Add a splash of cream and toss with boiled pasta for a make ahead meal
Pin This dish will become your go to for both busy nights and special events Enjoy every creamy forkful and let it warm your home with Tuscan flavor
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Fettuccine and penne work best, but any sturdy pasta like rigatoni or linguine pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- → How do I prevent the salmon from overcooking?
Sear the salmon for just a few minutes per side until it flakes easily. Remove it from the pan before preparing the sauce, then return it at the end.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cream instead of all heavy cream for a lighter texture.
- → What vegetables can I substitute for spinach?
Kale or arugula can be used in place of spinach. Add heartier greens a bit earlier so they wilt properly.
- → Do sun-dried tomatoes need to be rehydrated?
If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak them briefly in hot water. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can be used directly.