Salmon Pasta with Spinach or Lemon 🍋🥬🐟 Fresh, Light, and Fast — With Greens or a Citrus Kick

Salmon Pasta with Spinach or Lemon is a lighter, brighter take on creamy pasta. Think: flaky salmon folded into garlicky pasta with either a handful of wilted spinach or a big hit of lemon — or both. It’s flexible, flavorful, and fast enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

• 8 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups cooked salmon (fresh or canned), flaked
• 2–3 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional but recommended)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• Optional: 2 tbsp cream or cream cheese for a silkier version

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Salmon

If using spinach, add now and sauté until just wilted (about 1 minute). Add flaked salmon and warm through gently.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add lemon juice, zest, and a splash of pasta water. Stir in pasta. Toss to coat. If using Parmesan or cream, add now for extra richness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh herbs. Serve hot with more lemon or cheese on the side.

Flavor Variations

• Add chili flakes or cracked pepper for heat
• Use crème fraîche or mascarpone for a tangy-creamy finish
• Swap spinach for arugula or kale (sautéed slightly longer)
• Try capers or olives for a briny edge

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a green salad and lemon vinaigrette
• Great with grilled asparagus or roasted zucchini
• Chill for a cold pasta salad twist (especially with lemon-forward version)
• Pair with a glass of white wine — Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris

Pro Tips

• Add lemon juice at the end to keep it from turning bitter
• Don’t over-stir salmon — keep the flakes intact for better texture
• If using canned salmon, mash bones or remove if preferred
• Leftovers keep well and can be served cold or reheated gently

Final Thoughts

Salmon Pasta with Spinach or Lemon is light, quick, and endlessly adaptable — rich in protein, fresh in flavor, and just enough brightness to keep things interesting. Whether you’re going green, going citrus, or doing both, it delivers.

Toss it bright. Fold it flaky. Serve it fast. 🍋🥬🐟🍝

🐟 Explore Salmon Recipes for Every Occasion

From quick weeknight dinners to elegant mains, these salmon recipes cover everything from baking and grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.

🔥 Easy Baked Salmon in the Oven – Tender, flaky salmon with garlic butter and lemon.
🍽️ Air Fryer Salmon Recipes – Crispy on the outside, juicy inside — done in minutes.
🥫 Canned Salmon Recipes for Quick Meals – Pantry-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
🌿 Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs – Lightly charred and bright with citrusy herb flavor.
🥗 Salmon Salad Recipes – Fresh, protein-packed salads with flaky or grilled salmon.
🍚 Salmon Rice Bowl Recipes – Build-your-own bowls with veggies, grains, and sauce.
🍝 Creamy Salmon Pasta – Rich, velvety sauce with tender salmon chunks.
🍋 Salmon Pasta with Spinach or Lemon – A lighter twist with greens or zesty citrus.
🥑 Keto Salmon with Avocado – Low-carb, high-flavor, and full of healthy fats.
🍯 Honey Glazed Salmon – Sweet and savory glaze with a caramelized finish.
🧀 Stuffed Salmon with Spinach – Creamy spinach filling wrapped in perfectly baked fillets.
🍱 Asian Glazed Salmon – Soy-ginger glaze with sticky, umami-packed goodness.

🦐 Explore More Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
🧀 Comforting Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, cheesy bakes with crab, shrimp, or scallops.
🥣 Warm and Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick and delicious mains like garlic butter tilapia.
🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light yet flavorful options like grilled mahi mahi with salsa.
🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy rice dishes with seared scallops and fresh veg.
🌊 Seafood Stews – Hearty, rustic stews from the Mediterranean and beyond.