Description
This Healthy & Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta combines tender, seared salmon fillets with a luscious, creamy sauce loaded with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, this quick and nutritious pasta dish can be on your table in just 25 minutes, offering a satisfying balance of protein, veggies, and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 24 oz salmon, cut into 4 portions
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 serving Barilla Protein Pasta (about 2 oz dry)
Instructions
- Preheat the Pan. Place a nonstick pan on the stovetop over medium heat to warm up while preparing the other ingredients.
- Season the Salmon. Cut the salmon into four even portions and season each side generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Salmon. Add olive oil and butter to the hot pan. When the butter is melted and sizzling, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Mix Milk and Cornstarch. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2% milk and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps to prepare the base for the creamy sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce. Using the same pan after removing the salmon, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Slowly pour in the milk and cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Vegetables. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly, blending their flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Toss the cooked Barilla protein pasta into the creamy Tuscan sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve with Salmon. Flake or gently place the cooked salmon pieces on top of the pasta. Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving to add a final savory touch.
Notes
- You can use gluten-free pasta if preferred to make this dish gluten-free.
- To save time, cook pasta simultaneously while searing the salmon.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add slightly more cornstarch mixed with milk incrementally until desired consistency is reached.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add richer flavor; drain slightly before adding to control oiliness.
- Leftover salmon works well in this recipe for a quick meal the next day.