Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta Recipe
This Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta is a quick and nutritious meal that combines tender salmon fillets with a rich, cheesy Tuscan sauce loaded with fresh spinach and tomatoes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or health.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon
- 24 oz salmon (cut into 4 portions)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (fresh grated)
- 1 tsp salt (pink Himalayan)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (ground)
Pasta
- 1 serving pasta (Barilla Protein+ preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat the Pan: Preheat a nonstick pan on medium heat to prepare for cooking the salmon.
- Prepare Salmon Portions: Cut the 24 oz salmon into 4 equal portions to ensure even cooking and proper serving sizes.
- Sauté the Salmon Skin Side Down: Lightly spray the heated pan with olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin side down, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and Cook Salmon: Flip the salmon, optionally remove the skin, cover with a lid, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. If skin was removed, flip again and cook for 1 more minute with lid on. Remove salmon and keep warm covered with foil.
- Make the Tuscan Sauce Base: Reduce heat to low. Add the butter to the pan (using leftover butter from salmon or fresh), then add chopped garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Create Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp milk and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the remaining milk into the pan and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until cheese melts and incorporates into the creamy sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
- Reheat Salmon and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the pan to warm through for about 1 minute. Serve immediately with cooked pasta of choice.
Notes
- You can omit removing the salmon skin if preferred; it adds texture and nutrients.
- Using protein-enriched pasta increases the nutritional profile of this meal.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative and cheese.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if your sun-dried tomatoes are already salted.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
