Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes is a delicious, easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender salmon, a rich cream sauce, and fresh mixed greens for a flavorful, nutritious dinner that comes together fast. The sauce is perfectly silky and coats the pasta with just the right amount of creaminess, while the greens add a fresh, crisp finish. For a vibrant side, try pairing it with my Mediterranean chick pea salad recipe for a complete meal packed with textures and flavors.
Why You'll Love Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner
Make creamy salmon pasta with mixed greens under 30 minutes for a quick, tasty weeknight meal. Perfectly creamy, fresh, and beginner-friendly!
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Creamy, comforting sauce made with pantry staples
- Healthy boost from fresh mixed greens and omega-rich salmon
- Simple steps suitable for beginner cooks
Ingredients for Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner
Salmon: Use fresh, skinless fillets for best texture. Canned salmon can be substituted for a quicker option but will alter texture.Mixed greens: A fresh salad mix with baby spinach, arugula, or kale works best. You can substitute with baby spinach only for a milder flavor.
- Salmon: Use fresh, skinless fillets for best texture. Canned salmon can be substituted for a quicker option but will alter texture.
- Mixed greens: A fresh salad mix with baby spinach, arugula, or kale works best. You can substitute with baby spinach only for a milder flavor.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the salmon: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes per side or until opaque and flakes easily. Remove from skillet, flake into chunks, and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Expert Tips for Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior flavor and melt.
- Don’t overcook salmon to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add pasta water slowly to adjust sauce thickness perfectly.
Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner
Make creamy salmon pasta with mixed greens under 30 minutes for a quick, tasty weeknight meal. Perfectly creamy, fresh, and beginner-friendly!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth or white wine
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped dill or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Prepare the salmon: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes per side or until opaque and flakes easily. Remove from skillet, flake into chunks, and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine all: Add cooked pasta, flaked salmon, and mixed greens to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen. Cook until greens just wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and optional toasted pine nuts. Enjoy hot for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prep the sauce and cook salmon in advance, then quickly combine with freshly cooked pasta and greens just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
You can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but the texture won’t be as rich.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to prevent drying.
Likely the sauce overheated or lacked enough liquid. Add reserved pasta water gradually and gently heat to maintain creaminess.
You Might Also Like
- Pair it with my Mediterranean chick pea salad recipe
- Try the Easy Oven Mediterranean Branzino With Potatoes And Veggies
- For a protein boost, check the Proteinreicher Salat recipe
Before You Go
If you try this Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens Under 30 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.