This Salmon Pasta with Spinach is a deliciously easy pasta recipe with chunks of tender salmon and spinach in a scrumptious, creamy Parmesan sauce!

If you are looking for a quick, delicious, one-pot salmon dinner, you've come to the right place! This Salmon Pasta with Spinach recipe is a staple in my family, and I am sure that after you try it, it'll become a staple in yours. Made in under 30 minutes!
Salmon and Spinach Pasta Video-Recipe
How to choose salmon
Under the Country of Origin Labeling law, the USDA requires all retailers to list product origins and the method of production (farm-raised or wild-caught) for seafood. When shopping for salmon, choose a wild-caught variety, that appears moist rather than dried out, since the moisture content is a great indicator of freshness and how carefully the fish was handled. Look for bright pink colors and avoid pale-looking fish.
What kind of pasta to use
Your favorite kind! Seriously, use any pasta you love and have on hand. Penne, fettuccine, campanelle, ziti, and rigatoni are among my favorites. I would just recommend avoiding very small pasta varieties, such as orzo, anellini ditalini, etc. Those are best for soups.
What kind of spinach to use
I always recommend using fresh baby spinach. It is tender and very tasty. You can always freeze the leftovers. The leftovers can also be used for smoothies, such as this Spinach Smoothie or Cherry-Spinach Smoothie.
I stay away from store-bought frozen spinach bags because they have a lot of spinach stems, a weird texture, and a funny smell.
What you'll need for this recipe
- Salmon. Use nice quality fish.
- Pasta. Use your favorite kind. I used campanelle.
- Butter. Adds a nice rich flavor.
- Onion. For some sweetness.
- Baby Spinach. Fresh is best.
- Heavy Cream. Or Half & Half.
- Parmesan. Or Pecorino cheese.
- Garlic. Use more or less, depending on your personal preference.
- Salt & Pepper. To taste.
- Parsley. To garnish.
How to make Salmon and Spinach Pasta
1. Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté the onion in butter over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
2. Add the salmon and keep cooking for another 5-7 minutes, breaking it into flakes as it cooks.
3. Add the spinach and cook it for 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
4. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the cooked pasta and chopped parsley. Mix everything together thoroughly.
6. Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve.
Your filling and delicious dinner is ready! Now it's time to pour a glass of white and enjoy the dish. You weren't drinking while cooking, were you? 🙂
Helpful tips
- Pasta types. You can use any kind of pasta for this dish. I'd recommend medium cuts such as penne, farfalle, radiatore, cavatappi, or rigatoni, but any kind you have in your pantry will work.
- Cream. If you want to substitute heavy cream, use some Half & Half or full-fat coconut milk instead.
- Add wine. You can add some dry white wine in step 1 when cooking the onions.
- Season Pasta Water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water when cooking pasta. It makes a difference!
How to store and reheat
This salmon pasta will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, it's best eaten right away. Reheat on the stove over low heat, and you can add a splash of water if necessary.
More Tasty Pasta Recipes
- Creamy Seafood Pasta
- Easy Rigatoni Bolognese
- Fettuccine with Roasted Pepper Sauce and Chicken
- Shrimp Fettuccine
Salmon Pasta with Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 lb. salmon skinless and boneless – one piece or multiple pieces
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta I use campanelle
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 6 oz. baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp. parsley chopped
- ½ tsp. salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp. pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté the onion in butter over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the salmon and keep cooking for another 5-7 minutes, breaking it into flakes as it cooks.
- Add the spinach and cook it for 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta and chopped parsley. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve.
Leslie says
This was under Keto Diet Recipes....with the pasta in this dish, is it really Keto?
Tania Sheff says
Hi Leslie! I do not have a Keto section on my site. And yes, pasta is not good for the keto diet. Thanks for stopping by!
Tim says
I made this with my kids for my wife tonight. It went down a treat! My four year old who is usually fussy, tried something new!
Tania Sheff says
Perfect! Thanks for the rating, Tim!
Samantha says
I do not have heavy cream...could i use milk or something else to sub out the heavy cream?
Tania Sheff says
Hi Samantha! The heavy cream gives this rich, smooth, and creamy texture to the dish. That's what makes the sauce. Milk would not do this. Maybe sub for Half&Half, or full-fat canned coconut milk?
ashley says
Can i make this ahead and freeze it?
Tania Sheff says
Hi Ashley! Although I have never tried it myself, I think it will freeze well. Thanks for stopping by!
Mary says
I just made this tonight and it was delicious! I didn’t have butter so I used olive oil. I used 1/2 the cream, some green beans, chives instead of parsley, and pimento chili. It was perfect!
Tania Sheff says
Thanks, Mary! I am glad you liked it!