Silky Salmon & Mixed Greens Pasta Recipe: Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy salmon pasta with mixed greens delivers pure culinary magic.

Rich, velvety sauce coats perfectly tender pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent salmon mingles with delicate greens, offering a nutritious and indulgent meal.

Fresh herbs and a touch of lemon brighten every single bite, making this dish both comforting and elegant.

The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of protein, greens, and creamy goodness.

Prepare to savor every luxurious moment of this restaurant-worthy meal right from your own kitchen.

Why Salmon Pasta with Greens Is a Power Meal

• Swap out mixed greens for your favorite vegetables, experiment with different types of fish, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
• Combine heart-healthy salmon, vibrant greens, and creamy sauce for a balanced meal that feels indulgent while delivering essential nutrients and satisfying flavors.
• Minimize cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that uses the same pan for searing salmon, sautéing aromatics, and creating a luxurious sauce, saving time and reducing dishes.

What Goes Into Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens

• Salmon Fillet: A delicate fish that provides rich flavor and tender texture to the dish.

• Pasta: The base of the recipe that absorbs the creamy sauce and creates a satisfying meal.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth sauce with a rich and velvety consistency.

• Shallot, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the taste of the dish.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that add freshness and cut through the richness of the cream.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a vibrant garnish and subtle green note to the dish.

• Mixed Greens: Leafy vegetables that add nutritional value and a fresh, slightly peppery dimension to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté aromatics and prevent sticking.
• Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that helps adjust the sauce consistency and bind ingredients together.

How to Prepare Creamy Salmon Pasta with Greens

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Drop in your pasta and cook according to package directions.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of starchy cooking water to use later.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon

Inspect the salmon fillet for any hidden bones by running your fingers along the surface.

Slice the fish into bite-sized chunks.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Step 3: Sear Seafood Perfectly

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Gently place salmon pieces into the pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning carefully to ensure even browning.

Once cooked through, transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Base

• Finely chopped shallot
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream.

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

Add mixed greens and stir until they just begin to wilt.

Step 6: Marry Pasta With Sauce

Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure every strand gets coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Top the pasta with seared salmon pieces.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while the meal is warm and luxuriously creamy.

Pro Tips for Mixing Greens and Pasta Just Right

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining – this liquid gold helps thin and enrich sauces, ensuring perfect consistency without losing flavor.
• Pat salmon pieces dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Add mixed greens at the last moment to maintain their vibrant color and prevent overcooking, which can make them turn bitter and lose nutritional value.
• Lower heat when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, silky texture that coats pasta beautifully.
• Brighten the dish with fresh lemon zest and juice, which cut through the richness and add a fresh, zesty dimension to the creamy sauce.

How to Store and Warm Salmon Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Carefully pack the pasta in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that cream-based sauces may slightly separate when thawed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a small amount of liquid to prevent drying out.

Ideal Pairings for Salmon Pasta and Greens

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Wine Pairing
• Select a crisp, unoaked white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light wines complement the creamy salmon sauce without overpowering the delicate fish flavors.
• Craft Complementary Side Salad
• Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the dish's bright citrus notes. The peppery greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Create Textural Bread Companion
• Toast thin slices of crusty sourdough bread with garlic and herbs. The crunchy texture and rustic flavor will perfectly balance the smooth, velvety pasta sauce and tender salmon pieces.
• Enhance Herbal Garnish Options
• Sprinkle fresh dill or chives over the dish to add a subtle, aromatic layer. These delicate herbs will lift the overall flavor profile and provide a beautiful green garnish that connects with the mixed greens.

Spin-Off Ideas for This Nutritious Pasta Dish

• Gluten-Free Salmon Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Salmon Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use olive oil instead of butter for a lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Salmon Bowl: Skip pasta entirely and serve salmon and sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Vegetarian Greens Transformation: Substitute salmon with pan-seared tofu or tempeh, keeping the creamy sauce and mixed greens for a plant-based alternative.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use fresh Atlantic, sockeye, or even canned salmon. Just ensure the salmon is fresh and properly cooked through.

• Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less creamy and rich. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream alternative.

• What can I do if I don't have fresh mixed greens?

No problem! You can use spinach, arugula, or even frozen greens. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the sauce.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Aim for a light pink color in the center and avoid overcooking to keep it tender and moist.

Creamy Salmon Pasta With Mixed Greens Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds in this creamy salmon pasta with mixed greens, where delicate fish meets silky sauce in perfect harmony. Comfort merges with elegance, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) salmon fillet, skinless

Pasta and Carbohydrates:

• 500 grams (1 pound) pasta of choice (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or linguine recommended)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Zest from 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 250 milliliters (1 cup) heavy cream (double cream)

Aromatics:

• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed

Greens:

• 80 grams (2 cups) mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or watercress)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water pot to rolling boil and cook pasta according to package guidelines. Reserve a cup of starchy liquid before draining.
2. Meticulously inspect salmon fillet for hidden bones, then slice into uniform bite-sized morsels. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature until melted and slightly bubbling. Gently place salmon pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes, carefully rotating to ensure even golden-brown coloration. Transfer cooked salmon to a separate plate.
4. Within the same skillet, drizzle olive oil and introduce minced shallots and garlic. Sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes until aromatic and translucent.
5. Reduce heat to low and incorporate heavy cream, creating a silky base. Fold in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Allow sauce to simmer softly for 5-7 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
6. Introduce mixed greens to the cream sauce, stirring until they delicately wilt and integrate seamlessly.
7. Fold drained pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated. If sauce appears dense, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve ideal consistency.
8. Artfully arrange seared salmon atop pasta, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creaminess.

Notes

• Prevent Salmon Overcooking by checking internal temperature reaches 145°F, ensuring tender and moist fish without becoming dry or tough.
• Dairy-Free Alternative can be created by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Boost Omega-3 by choosing wild-caught salmon, which contains higher nutritional value compared to farm-raised varieties.
• Quick Meal Prep tip involves cooking salmon and pasta simultaneously to reduce overall cooking time and streamline kitchen workflow.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg