Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Recipe

Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Recipe: A Tasty Treat

Creamy salmon pasta with mixed greens offers a luxurious dining experience that upgrades ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Seafood lovers appreciate the rich, velvety texture that complements delicate fish perfectly.

Tender salmon nestled among smooth, silky noodles creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Home cooks find this dish surprisingly simple to prepare, despite its elegant appearance.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a sophisticated yet comforting culinary experience.

Fresh mixed greens add a vibrant, peppery contrast to the smooth, decadent sauce.

Your dinner guests will be impressed by the restaurant-quality presentation and nuanced flavor profile.

Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens for a Fancy Twist

  • Quick and Effortless Gourmet Meal: This salmon pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home chefs wanting to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Luxurious Creamy Texture Delight: The combination of heavy cream, white wine reduction, and perfectly seared salmon creates a velvety, rich sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, offering a decadent mouthfeel in every bite.
  • Nutritious Green Boost: Incorporating mixed greens into the pasta adds a fresh, vibrant element while sneaking in extra nutrients, making this dish both indulgent and health-conscious for those seeking a balanced meal.
  • One-Pan Wonder Convenience: By using the same pan for multiple cooking steps, this recipe minimizes cleanup and streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a sophisticated meal without creating a mountain of dishes afterward.

Ingredients for a Creamy Salmon Pasta Dish

Pasta Base:
  • Pasta (Tagliatelle, Fettuccine, or Linguine): Classic Italian pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces and creating a satisfying meal.
Protein and Dairy:
  • Salmon Fillet: Fresh, tender fish that adds rich flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids to the dish.
  • Butter: Provides a smooth, rich base for sautéing and enhancing overall flavor.
  • Double/Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Shallot: Delicate onion-like flavor that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings a pungent, warm note to the dish.
  • White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce, helping to balance the richness.
  • Lemon (Zest and Juice): Bright, citrusy element that cuts through the cream and adds freshness.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides a pop of color and fresh, herbal finish.
Greens:
  • Mixed Greens (Spinach, Arugula, Watercress): Tender, peppery greens that add nutritional value and a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

How to Cook Salmon Pasta with Greens the Easy Way

Step 1: Launch the Pasta Adventure

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, giving it a little freedom while you prepare the magic.

Step 2: Salmon Sizzle

Heat up a spacious skillet over medium flame. Melt some butter until it whispers and dances. Gently place salmon pieces in the pan, sprinkling with:
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Sear each side until the fish turns golden and flakes beautifully. Transfer the salmon to a warm plate.

Step 3: Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet, create a flavor base by softening:
  • Finely chopped shallots
  • Minced garlic

Splash in white wine and let it bubble and reduce, concentrating the delicious essence.

Step 4: Sauce Symphony

Pour in heavy cream and introduce:
  • Mixed greens
  • Lemon zest
  • Fresh lemon juice

Stir gently, allowing the ingredients to mingle and dance. Season with a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors.

Step 5: Unite the Feast

Tumble the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, coating each strand with luxurious goodness. Carefully fold in the salmon pieces. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a final flourish.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with culinary delight!

Pro Tips for a Silky Sauce and Balanced Greens

  • Achieve Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a slight bite, ensuring it holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
  • Master Salmon Searing: Pat the salmon dry before cooking to create a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture to the dish.
  • Balance Cream Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and create a smooth, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Elevate Flavor Depth: Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the rich cream sauce, cutting through the heaviness and adding a vibrant, fresh note.
  • Preserve Green Freshness: Add mixed greens at the last moment to maintain their vibrant color and prevent overcooking, keeping them crisp and full of nutrients.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon Pasta Smoothly

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.
  • Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make the salmon tough and dry. If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to preserve texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Salmon Pasta Meals

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the creamy salmon sauce and cuts through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
  • Match with Fresh Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creaminess and add a refreshing contrast to the dish's warm, rich flavors.
  • Select Crusty Bread Companion: Serve a rustic sourdough or french baguette to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Add Sparkling Water Refreshment: Choose a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the dish's delicate salmon and herb flavors.

Pasta Swaps and Ingredient Tweaks for Variety

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace white wine with dry vermouth and add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that brings Mediterranean coastal vibes to the dish.
  • Spicy Ocean Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes and swap mixed greens for arugula, then finish with a drizzle of chili oil to create a bold, zesty salmon pasta with extra heat and complexity.
  • Green Garden Fusion: Substitute cream with coconut milk and add asparagus and spinach, garnishing with fresh dill and toasted pine nuts for a lighter, herbaceous version that celebrates fresh vegetable flavors.
  • Smoky Scandinavian Style: Use smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon, include diced pickled cucumbers, and sprinkle fresh chives to create a Nordic-inspired pasta that highlights traditional Scandinavian seafood techniques.
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Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Recipe

Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy salmon pasta with mixed greens delivers Mediterranean elegance on a plate. Silky sauce, tender fish, and crisp greens create a luxurious dinner experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 g) pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or linguine)
  • 200 g (7 oz) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 250 ml (1 cup) double/heavy cream
  • 80 g (2 cups) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, watercress)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ lemon (zest and 1 tablespoon juice)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 125 ml (½ cup) dry white wine

Instructions

  1. Immerse the pasta in a generously salted, bubbling water bath, following package guidance. Drain thoroughly, reserving the pasta for later integration.
  2. Activate a spacious skillet over moderate flame, introducing butter to create a luxurious cooking environment. Nestle salmon pieces into the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper, transforming them until golden and perfectly cooked through.
  3. Without cleansing the skillet, reduce heat and introduce finely minced shallots and garlic, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface. Deglaze with white wine, encouraging its gradual reduction and concentration of flavors.
  4. Cascade heavy cream into the evolving sauce, accompanied by vibrant mixed greens. Incorporate lemon’s zesty essence and its bright juice, calibrating the seasoning with a delicate salt touch.
  5. Gently cascade the prepared pasta into the velvety sauce, ensuring each strand becomes lavishly coated. Tenderly fold the previously seared salmon throughout the creamy mixture.
  6. Finalize the culinary composition by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, creating a verdant garnish that elevates both visual appeal and flavor profile. Serve immediately, celebrating the harmonious blend of maritime and herbal notes.

Notes

  • Cooking techniques matter: searing salmon first locks in flavor, while reducing wine concentrates its delicate notes and builds depth in the sauce.
  • Fresh mixed greens add vibrant color, nutritional boost, and a peppery contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, making each bite a delightful culinary experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 66g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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