Creamy Salmon Pasta

This creamy salmon pasta is so easy and quick to make. Perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for date night. Ready in less than 30 minutes!

📝 Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried fettuccine noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 center-cut salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (minced)
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, just until they are al dente. This should take about 8 minutes but make sure to check the package directions for the exact time. Before you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later.
2. 2Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet set over medium heat.
3. 3Pat the salmon dry on both sides with a paper towel and season it lightly with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, add the salmon skin-side down to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon is golden brown and releases naturally from the pan. If you have to pull the salmon off the pan, it’s not ready to flip yet!
4. 4After you’ve flipped the salmon, add the butter, minced garlic, minced thyme, and lemon juice to the pan. Cook the salmon for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until it is light pink and flaky. Baste the salmon with butter a few times and then remove it to a plate.
5. 5Add the flour to the pan with the garlic butter and whisk it into the butter and oil to create a roux.
6. 6Next, add the chicken stock slowly, whisking constantly. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, or just until it begins to bubble around the edges.
7. 7Add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce along with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce becomes too dry, add the remaining ¼ cup of reserved pasta water.
9. 9Next, cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pasta. Add the spinach and stir to combine– the spinach will wilt quickly.
10. 10Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.