Description
This Healthy Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta combines whole wheat pasta, tender pan-fried salmon, and a luscious light cream sauce infused with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. A nutritious and flavorful dish that comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 fresh salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz or 170 g each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz (about 225 g) whole wheat pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1 cup light cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
- Cook the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then fry the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and flaky. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for salmon, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the light cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Salmon: Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs or cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber content, making the dish healthier.
- Light cream or half-and-half keeps the sauce creamy but lower in fat compared to heavy cream.
- You can substitute salmon with another firm fish or chicken if preferred.
- For added flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley as garnish before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook pasta to keep it perfectly al dente.
