Table of Contents
Why you’ll love it
A few simple, everyday ingredients come together to make this tomato spinach salmon pasta feel a little extra special. It’s especially delicious when those sweet, juicy summer tomatoes are in season!
Light yet comforting, this is one of my favorite warm-weather pastas — fresh spinach, tender salmon, sun-ripened tomatoes, and that buttery garlic sauce? So good. And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, but also totally lovely if you’ve got friends coming over.
What you’ll need
- Pasta – I love a long shape like spaghetti here — it just wraps around the sauce so beautifully.
- Salmon – Fresh fillet, flaked into juicy, bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic powder – With a little salt and pepper, it gives the salmon so much flavor right from the start.
- Olive oil + butter – For pan-searing the salmon and building that rich, buttery base for the sauce.
- Garlic – Because every good pasta starts with a little garlic goodness.
- Grape tomatoes – Fresh, sweet, and bursting with flavor — they really make the dish shine.
- Chicken broth – A splash of chicken broth adds a gorgeous depth.
- Italian seasoning – That cozy blend of herbs in one handy jar — perfect for rounding out the flavors.
- Spinach – Adds color, freshness, and a little balance to all that buttery richness.
Simple, fresh, and so, so delicious!
Helpful tips
This recipe works perfectly with a salmon fillet that’s about 1″ thick — if yours is thinner, just keep an eye on it and shorten the cooking time a bit so it stays nice and tender (no one wants dry salmon!).
And if your fillet has the skin on? No worries! Once you’ve seared it, the skin will peel right off super easily — just discard it and carry on with the recipe. Easy peasy!
Not sure how to get a perfect sear? Here’s a handy guide to pan-searing salmon from BBC Good Food.
Substitutions & variations
Not in the mood for salmon? No problem — another flaky white fish like halibut or cod would be just as delicious here.
Want to bump up the herby vibes? Feel free to add a bit more Italian seasoning, or toss in some fresh herbs if you’ve got them on hand (basil, parsley, or even a little dill would be lovely!). This recipe is super flexible — make it your own!
If you enjoy salmon with seasonal veggies, this asparagus salmon pasta is another great option for light, flavorful dinners.
Looking to experiment with vibrant sauces? You’ll love this green spaghetti recipe — so fresh and fun!
Leftovers & storage
Got leftovers? Just pop them in the fridge — they’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat slowly over low heat so the sauce stays nice and creamy.
If you know you won’t be eating all 4 servings at once, a little tip: make fresh pasta when reheating the sauce. It really helps keep everything tasting just as good as day one!
And I wouldn’t recommend freezing this one — the texture of the sauce and salmon can change quite a bit. Better to enjoy it fresh!
FAQ’s
Do salmon and spinach go together?
Oh, definitely! Salmon and spinach are a beautiful pairing. The richness of the salmon is perfectly balanced by the light, slightly earthy taste of spinach. Plus, the bright green color looks gorgeous alongside that tender, flaky fish. It’s a combo that works in creamy pastas, salads, or even baked dishes — so versatile and so tasty!
How to make creamy tomato salmon pasta?
It’s super simple: start by pan-searing your salmon until it’s golden and flaky. In the same pan, cook some garlic, grape tomatoes, and a splash of white wine or broth to build the sauce. Stir in a little butter or cream to make it rich and silky, then add fresh spinach until it wilts. Flake the salmon back into the pan, toss everything with pasta, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan. Easy, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes!
What are the health benefits of salmon and spinach?
This is one powerhouse pairing!
- Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are great for heart and brain health. It’s also high in protein, vitamin D, and antioxidants like astaxanthin, which helps fight inflammation.
- Spinach is loaded with vitamins (like A, C, and K), iron, and fiber. It supports healthy bones, immune function, and digestion.
Together? They give you a dish that’s nourishing, filling, and bursting with goodness — and the best part is, it tastes amazing too!
Tomato Spinach Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta spaghetti recommended
- 1 pound salmon
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes cut into halves
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for your pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, season the salmon with the garlic powder and salt & pepper.
- Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the salmon for about 3 minutes/side, until lightly golden, then transfer it to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the garlic, tomatoes, wine, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to lose their shape (about 5 minutes).
- Add the spinach and salmon to the pan, and break the salmon up into bite size pieces using your spoon. Let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the spinach has wilted.
- Season with salt & pepper as needed. Toss with the drained pasta. If you want a little more liquid in the sauce, add a splash of the hot pasta water prior to draining it.
