Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens – Alfredo Style Quick Weeknight Dinner

Looking for the perfect comfort food pasta that comes together quickly? This creamy salmon pasta recipe is your answer! With tender flaky salmon, rich garlic cream sauce, and fresh mixed greens, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe so special is how versatile it is. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish hits all the right notes. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully, while the salmon adds a sophisticated touch that elevates this from ordinary pasta to something truly special.

Ingredients

• 12 oz salmon fillets, skin removed
• 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale blend)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and flake into large chunks.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce along with the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 6: Fold in the flaked salmon and mixed greens. Cook for 1-2 minutes until greens are wilted.

Step 7: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Salmon Pasta

For the best results, use fresh salmon fillets rather than frozen. The texture and flavor will be far superior. Don’t overcook the salmon – it should flake easily with a fork but still be moist.

The mixed greens add freshness and nutrition to this dish. You can use any combination you like – spinach for mild flavor, arugula for peppery notes, or kale for more substance. If you’re looking for more garlic butter salmon pasta recipes, check out our collection of quick seafood dinners.

This recipe works beautifully as a one pot seafood pasta if you have a large enough skillet. Simply cook the pasta directly in the sauce with extra liquid for a truly effortless cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute with canned salmon. Drain it well and flake it before adding to the dish.

How can I make this dish healthier? Use whole wheat pasta and substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

What other proteins work well with this recipe? Try this creamy sauce with garlic Parmesan chicken pasta or shrimp for variety.

Can I make this ahead of time? The sauce can be made ahead, but assemble just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens – Alfredo Style Quick Weeknight Dinner

This creamy salmon pasta recipe combines tender flaky salmon, rich garlic cream sauce, and fresh mixed greens for a restaurant-quality meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a versatile dish that works well for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 12 oz salmon fillets, skin removed
• 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale blend)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and flake into large chunks.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce along with the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine thoroughly.
6. Fold in the flaked salmon and mixed greens. Cook for 1-2 minutes until greens are wilted.
7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh salmon fillets for best texture and flavor. Don’t overcook the salmon – it should flake easily but remain moist. The mixed greens can be customized with spinach, arugula, or kale based on preference.