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Creamy Marry Me Salmon Pasta

Creamy, restaurant-style “Marry Me” salmon pasta made with seared salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Finished with spinach and a touch of lemon for a perfectly balanced, cozy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Ingredients

  • 2 –3 salmon fillets
  • Pasta
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup spinach

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water.
  • Pat the salmon dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan.
  • Sauté garlic until fragrant.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
  • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Add lemon juice and mix well.
  • Stir in reserved pasta water to loosen and create a silky sauce.
  • Season sauce with salt to taste.
  • Return pasta to the sauce.
  • Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
  • Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until salmon is fully cooked and coated in sauce.