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Tuscan Salmon and Mafaldine Pasta


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

  • Tuscan Salmon and Mafaldine Pasta is a luxurious, creamy dish filled with flaky salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. Paired with mafaldine pasta, this dish offers rich flavors that transport you to the Tuscan countryside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Salmon:

    • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

    For the Pasta:

    • 8 oz mafaldine pasta (or another wide pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle)

    For the Sauce:

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 3 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil or packed in water, drained)

    • 1 cup heavy cream

    • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)

    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • 2 cups fresh spinach

    • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

    Garnish:

    • Fresh basil or parsley

    • Extra grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

  1. Cook the Salmon:
    In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside. Once cooled slightly, flake the salmon into large chunks.

  2. Cook the Pasta:
    While the salmon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mafaldine pasta according to the package instructions (about 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

  3. Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet you used for the salmon, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

  4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
    Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, spinach, and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes.

  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    Add the cooked mafaldine pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

  6. Add the Salmon:
    Gently fold the flaked salmon into the pasta and sauce, being careful not to break it up too much.

  7. Serve:
    Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can swap the salmon for other fish like trout or use chicken for a different protein option.

  • For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or try a dairy-free cream substitute.

  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic used in the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg