Introduction
There’s something about seafood and pasta that feels like a match made in heaven. The richness of salmon, the delicate sweetness of shrimp, and the creamy garlic spinach sauce all come together in this comforting and elegant dish. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or a hearty family meal, this Salmon & Shrimp Penne in Garlic Spinach Sauce is bound to impress.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this delightful dish, from selecting the freshest ingredients to perfecting the sauce. You’ll also find some handy tips on how to customize the recipe to your liking. Let’s dive into this creamy, garlicky, and utterly satisfying seafood pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Flavorful: The garlic spinach sauce is rich yet balanced, complementing the seafood beautifully.
- Packed with Nutrients: Salmon and shrimp are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Versatile: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—use a different pasta, add extra veggies, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Seafood:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed and cut into cubes
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Garlic Spinach Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp of butter.
- Season the salmon cubes with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add salmon to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Spinach Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low and add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Once the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken, add chopped spinach.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, stirring carefully to combine.
- Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this pasta with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a delightful dining experience.
Customization & Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the seafood for mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Tips for the Best Salmon & Shrimp Penne
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Shrimp and salmon cook quickly; overcooking will make them tough and dry.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and seafood make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Let the Sauce Thicken Naturally: Avoid using flour or cornstarch; let the Parmesan cheese and cream work their magic.
- Rest the Pasta: Letting the pasta sit in the sauce for a minute helps absorb the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
A: Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni all work well.
Conclusion
This Salmon & Shrimp Penne in Garlic Spinach Sauce is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and garlicky flavors with the natural sweetness of seafood. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a favorite. Try it out, and let us know how it turns out!
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below with your experience and any variations you tried. Happy cooking! 🍽️