If you are craving a dish that brings together vibrant greens, tender salmon, and cozy pasta in a flash, this Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It combines fresh ingredients with bright flavors, delivering a wholesome, comforting meal that feels both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is an effortless way to enjoy restaurant-worthy flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, not just for taste but also for texture and color, making every bite delightful and balanced.
- 1 pound salmon fillet: Choose a fresh, firm piece for flaky, flavorful fish that melts in your mouth.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: The tube shape holds sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is saucy and satisfying.
- 4 cups baby spinach: Fresh, tender greens that wilt quickly and add a lovely pop of color and nutrients.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creamy tanginess while keeping things light and healthy.
- 2 teaspoons dried dill: An herb that pairs perfectly with salmon, enhancing its flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the natural flavors.
- Zest and juice of one lemon: Bright citrus notes that enliven the dish and balance richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a touch of heat to make the flavors dance on your palate.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A final burst of freshness and color that makes the presentation sing.
How to Make Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Placing the salmon skin-side down, sprinkle it evenly with dried dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. The seasoning will infuse the fish as it bakes, creating a beautifully aromatic base. Bake for about 7 to 10 minutes until the salmon is just flaky — this means it’s cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
While the salmon roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes for al dente texture. Don’t forget to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy water will be a secret weapon to help make your sauce smooth and silky.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Combine
Return the drained pasta to the pot and place it on low heat. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir continuously until it wilts down and becomes tender. This step is quick and allows the spinach to retain its vibrant green color, ensuring your dish looks as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now stir in the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred sauce consistency. This creamy sauce is bright, tangy, and just a little spicy — the perfect complement to the rich salmon and fresh spinach.
Step 5: Incorporate the Salmon
Gently fold in the baked salmon chunks, taking care not to break them up too much. This delicate folding ensures that each bite has generous pieces of flaky fish evenly distributed throughout the pasta, giving you that wonderful combination of flavors in every forkful.
How to Serve Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and a mild herbaceous note that brightens the dish. You can even add an extra zest of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil if you want to give it an extra wow factor before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or warm, crusty bread to scoop up any leftover sauce. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables can also complement the meal well for an extra dose of nutrition and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe in brightly colored bowls to highlight the vibrant greens and salmon pink. You can also plate it with a lemon wedge on the side so guests can add their own fresh citrus punch. If you’re serving a crowd, layering in a shallow casserole and topping with fresh herbs makes for a lovely family-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is yogurt-based, it’s best enjoyed fresh but will still taste great the next day once reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal due to the yogurt and spinach, which can change texture once thawed. It’s better to prepare fresh when possible or freeze just the cooked salmon and pasta separately without sauce for best results.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can cause the salmon to become tough and the spinach to get soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for cream in this dish?
Yes, Greek yogurt offers a creamy, tangy element while keeping the dish lighter and adding a nice boost of protein.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While rigatoni works wonderfully, penne, fusilli, or farfalle would also work well to hold the sauce and blend with the spinach and salmon.
What if I don’t have dried dill?
You can substitute with fresh dill if available, or use herbs like tarragon or parsley for a different but still delicious herbal note.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Definitely! With just about 20 minutes from start to finish, this Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe is perfect for when you want something nourishing and flavorful without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe enough for anyone seeking a nourishing, flavorful meal that feels special without complicated steps. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and wonderfully creamy dish that comes together effortlessly — perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful salmon and spinach pasta recipe combining tender baked salmon with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh spinach, and rigatoni pasta, all enhanced with lemon, dill, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- Zest of one lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake the salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season evenly with dried dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
- Cook pasta: While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Wilt spinach: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot over low heat. Add the baby spinach and stir gently until the spinach wilts and softens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Combine salmon and pasta: Flake the baked salmon into chunks and gently fold it into the pasta mixture, coating it evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the spinach when wilting.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
