If there’s one meal that never fails to make me feel like I’ve pulled off a five-star dinner in under 40 minutes, it’s this Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Broccoli Pasta. The combo of tender salmon, silky Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta feels indulgent without the stress. I’ve made this for quiet date nights at home and even last-minute dinner guests—and it never disappoints.
Let me walk you through exactly how I make it, and more importantly, why it works so well.
Why This Recipe Works
There are a lot of salmon pasta recipes out there, but this one hits all the right notes for me. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
Balanced richness: The cream sauce is luxurious, but the fresh spinach and broccoli keep it from feeling too heavy.
Big flavor, low effort: Garlic, smoked paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan create layers of flavor with pantry staples.
One-skillet convenience: Aside from boiling the pasta, the rest of this dish comes together in one pan—which means fewer dishes to clean.
Easy to customize: I can swap in shrimp, chicken, or even make it vegetarian with mushrooms. The creamy Tuscan base goes with just about anything.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins)
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, your call)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces fettuccine (or any pasta you love)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Optional: Extra Parmesan for serving
How I Make Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Boil the Pasta and Save That Liquid Gold
I start by cooking the fettuccine in well-salted water according to the package instructions. Just before draining, I scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This comes in handy later for loosening up the sauce without watering down the flavor.
2. Season and Sear the Salmon
While the pasta cooks, I pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
I heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, I add the salmon and sear it for 3–4 minutes per side. It should get a golden crust and be just cooked through. Then I remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build That Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those salmon bits), I melt two tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute. Once it’s fragrant, I toss in the broccoli florets and let them cook for 3–4 minutes until they’re just tender but still vibrant.
Next comes the cream, Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. I stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt and the flavors to marry.
4. Add Spinach and Pasta
I stir in the chopped spinach, which wilts down almost instantly, then toss in the cooked pasta. This is where I use that reserved pasta water—just a splash or two—to get the sauce to that silky, clingy consistency that coats every strand perfectly.
5. Bring Back the Salmon
Last step: I nestle the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let everything warm through for another minute or two. Then it’s ready to serve.
Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way
Crispy salmon skin? Yes, please. If I’m using skin-on salmon, I make sure to sear it skin-side down first and don’t move it for at least 3 minutes. That gives it a delicious crunch.
Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes. They add a sweet-savory depth that really balances out the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
Use the pasta water sparingly. A little goes a long way. I add a tablespoon at a time until the sauce is just right.
Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded Parmesan can be waxy and doesn’t melt as well. Freshly grated is worth the 30 seconds.
What I Serve with It
This dish is already a full meal, but when I’m feeding a crowd or want a little extra:
- Side salad: Something crisp like arugula with lemon vinaigrette.
- Bread for mopping: Crusty sourdough or garlic knots.
- Light dessert: A lemon sorbet or vanilla panna cotta to finish on a refreshing note.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before searing to avoid steaming it.
Q: What’s a good pasta substitute?
A: Linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne all work. I sometimes use chickpea pasta for a protein boost.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: I’ve had success with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast in place of the cream and Parmesan. The flavor will be different, but still rich and satisfying.
Q: How do leftovers hold up?
A: They’re surprisingly good the next day. I reheat the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Why This Needs to Be in Your Weekly Rotation
This Tuscan salmon pasta checks every box: comforting, colorful, and quick to pull together. Whether I’m cooking for myself or someone I want to impress, this recipe never fails to feel like something special. The richness of the cream and cheese pairs beautifully with the fresh veggies, and the salmon adds that perfect touch of elegance. Plus, it reheats well, which means I’ve got lunch sorted the next day.
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy salmon—or just craving pasta with a little extra flair—this is the one. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta That Tastes Like a Fancy Night In
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups of the pasta water
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
- 2 salmon fillets
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and flake into large pieces.
- In the same skillet, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
- Return the flaked salmon to the skillet and gently combine with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
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