30-Minute Tuscan Salmon Pasta
This creamy Tuscan salmon pasta is a quick, restaurant-worthy dinner made with tender salmon, pasta, garlic, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining family and friends.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, season the salmon with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the spinach, basil, parsley, and thyme. Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and gently stir until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Pair with warm garlic bread and a simple green salad for a quick, restaurant-style meal.
Notes
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Add a splash to the sauce as needed to help the creamy sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.