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Creamy Salmon Pasta with Mixed Greens (20-Minute Recipe)

This creamy salmon pasta with mixed greens is a quick weeknight dinner that combines restaurant-quality flavor with simple, healthy ingredients. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features tender flaked salmon in a rich, garlicky sauce with vibrant mixed greens.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 8 oz total), skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale blend)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes per side until flaky and cooked through. Remove from skillet and flake into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Add the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, and mixed greens to the skillet. Toss everything together until the greens are wilted and pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  5. Stir in lemon zest, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use starchy pasta water to emulsify the sauce; wild-caught salmon provides superior flavor; mixed greens will wilt significantly - don't be shy with quantity; can substitute Greek yogurt for lighter version