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It’s always the no-fuss meals that surprise you—and this Creamy Salmon Pasta is a perfect example. You season and sear your salmon, toss together a buttery garlic-shallot sauce with a kick of chili crisp, and mix it all with tender spinach, melty cheese, and silky angel hair pasta. Top it with that golden salmon, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and parsley, and boom: dinner in under 20 minutes. Simple. Bold. Irresistible.
Creamy Salmon Pasta with Spinach and Chili Crisp
📋 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Paprika or Cajun seasoning (optional)
- Olive oil, for searing
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tsp roasted garlic or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1–2 tsp chili crisp (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or Italian blend cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach
To Serve:
- 6 oz angel hair pasta (or spaghetti)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Salmon
- Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear salmon skin-side down first until golden and crisp (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shallot until soft (2–3 minutes).
- Add roasted garlic and chili crisp, stirring to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in the cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add spinach, stirring until wilted.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Combine & Finish
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return salmon to the pan, breaking it slightly into chunks.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red chili flakes.
🍽️ Tips & Swaps
- Chili Crisp: This gives a bold umami kick—don’t skip it! Try brands like Lao Gan Ma or Momofuku.
- Cheese: Parmesan, asiago, or a blend works best. Avoid pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes would be great in this too!
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