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Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 134 reviews

This Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta is a vibrant, healthy dish combining tender baked salmon with fresh baby spinach and a creamy Greek yogurt sauce. Featuring lemon zest and dill for a refreshing herbal brightness, this pasta comes together swiftly, making it perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 1 pound salmon fillet with skin
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz rigatoni (or favorite pasta)
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • Fresh lemon juice (to taste, approx. 1-2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the lined baking sheet. Season the salmon evenly with dried dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to infuse it with flavor.
  2. Cook Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Once done, remove the salmon from its skin and break it into bite-sized chunks.
  3. Cook Pasta: While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Spinach: Return the drained pasta to the pot and place it over low heat. Add the baby spinach leaves and gently toss until the spinach wilts down and blends with the pasta.
  5. Prepare Sauce: Stir in the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes into the pasta and spinach mixture. Use the reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time, to thin the sauce until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
  6. Finish the Dish: Gently fold in the chunks of cooked salmon, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce without breaking them up too much. Remove from heat and serve immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh dill if available for brighter flavor; dried dill works well as an alternative.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more for extra brightness.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps emulsify the sauce and achieve a creamy texture without added fat.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly according to your preference.
  • This recipe can be made with other types of pasta such as penne or fusilli if rigatoni is unavailable.

Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta recipe, baked salmon, Greek yogurt sauce, lemon dill salmon

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/quick-salmon-and-spinach-pasta-recipe/