Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Name: Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet with skin; 12 oz rigatoni (or your favorite pasta); 4 cups baby spinach leaves; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 teaspoons dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh); Zest of one lemon; Fresh lemon juice; Red pepper flakes

Published: February 11, 2026

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh salmon and spinach, it’s a wholesome option for your family.
Creamy Flavor: The Greek yogurt sauce adds a rich and creamy texture without the extra calories of heavy cream.
Versatile: You can easily swap out the pasta type or add other vegetables to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Essential for evenly cooking the salmon while ensuring it remains moist and flaky.
Pot: A good-quality pot allows you to cook pasta perfectly al dente without sticking.
Colander: Helps drain the pasta efficiently while retaining the perfect texture for this dish.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

1 pound salmon fillet with skin

For the Pasta

12 oz rigatoni (or favorite pasta)

For the Sauce

4 cups baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of one lemon
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

How to Make Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a lined baking sheet and place the salmon skin-side down on it. Season generously with dried dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Bake the Salmon

Bake the salmon for about 7-10 minutes until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once done, remove it from the skin and break into chunks.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling water, cook your rigatoni until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Spinach

Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add in baby spinach leaves and toss until they are wilted. Mix in Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. If needed, thin out the sauce with reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Add Salmon and Serve

Gently fold in salmon chunks until they are well-coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately for a delicious meal!

How to Serve Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Serving Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta can elevate your dining experience, making it satisfying and delightful. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Adding freshly chopped dill or parsley on top provides a burst of color and fresh flavor that enhances the dish.

Accompany with Whole Grain Bread

Serve slices of whole grain bread alongside to soak up any leftover sauce, adding texture and heartiness to the meal.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds richness and depth to the flavors of the pasta.

Serve in Individual Bowls

Presenting the pasta in individual bowls makes for an elegant touch at dinner parties or family gatherings.

How to Perfect Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

To ensure your Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

Choose Fresh Salmon: Using fresh salmon fillets will yield the best flavor and texture for your dish.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente helps maintain its structure and texture when combined with the sauce.
Use Reserved Pasta Water Wisely: The starchy pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency; add it gradually until you achieve desired creaminess.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust herbs and spices based on your taste preferences – try adding garlic or capers for extra flavor.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve it right after mixing in the salmon for optimal taste.

Best Side Dishes for Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Complementing your Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a nutritious crunch that pairs well with pasta.
Caprese Salad: A refreshing combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar complements this dish beautifully.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, bell peppers, and lemon dressing adds protein and texture.
Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles as a side; they are light yet flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta can be a breeze, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to use dill, salt, and pepper generously.
Overcooking the salmon: Cooking the salmon too long will dry it out. Keep an eye on it and remove it when it’s opaque and flakes easily.
Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to save pasta water means you might miss out on a creamy sauce. Always reserve at least one cup before draining.
Adding spinach too late: If you add spinach after the pasta is off the heat, it won’t wilt properly. Toss it in while the pasta is still warm.
Ignoring sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thick, it won’t coat the pasta well. Use reserved pasta water to adjust its consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 2-3 days for best flavor and freshness.

Freezing Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between for even heating.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta, here are some common questions and answers.

Can I use other types of pasta?

You can easily substitute rigatoni with your favorite pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. It typically takes about 7-10 minutes at 400°F.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well and can be made ahead for quick meals during the week.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding garlic or onion sautéed with the spinach for an added flavor boost!

How can I customize Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta?

Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus for more color and nutrients!

Final Thoughts

Quick Salmon & Spinach Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Try this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying!

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