Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot or 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon, skin-side down first, for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat. Add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté shallot or onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in cream and scrape up browned bits. Simmer gently.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Toss in drained penne, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen sauce.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return salmon to the pan. Garnish with basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole milk instead of cream for a lighter Alfredo sauce.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or asparagus for more color and nutrients.
- Include smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for added warmth.
- Mix in mozzarella or fontina cheese for extra richness.
- Brighten with more lemon zest and juice as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
