Name: Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 350 g (12.3 oz) salmon fillets, skin-on; 500 g (1 lb) shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined; ½ onion, minced; 4 garlic cloves, crushed; 3 cups baby spinach; 6 sundried tomatoes, sliced; 1 cup cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp olive oil; Knob of butter or splash of olive oil for cooking; 1-2 tsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 500 g (1 lb) pasta

Jump to Recipe·4 from 45 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, then this Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner menu. Bursting with tender salmon, plump shrimp, vibrant spinach, and tangy sundried tomatoes all wrapped up in a luxuriously creamy sauce, this pasta combines so many luscious flavors and textures in one satisfying plate. It’s one of those easy-to-make yet spectacular meals that delivers big on flavor with every bite, inviting you to slow down and savor the heart of Italian-inspired comfort food at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two thick, bright orange salmon fillets with white lines across the top left on white paper. Below and left to the salmon is a small pile of fresh green spinach leaves with clear veins and soft texture. To the bottom right of the spinach, there is a white plate filled with eight whole raw shrimps, grayish with a slight shine and visible legs and antennae. Above and right to the shrimps, three small white bowls hold ingredients: one with dark coarse ground pepper, one with white coarse salt, and one with a light creamy sauce in a small white pitcher. In the center, two halves of a pale yellow onion cut side up sit next to three beige garlic cloves with papery skins. A small white bowl at the bottom left holds moist, dark reddish sun-dried tomatoes. All ingredients are on a white chopping board placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each component playing a crucial role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the silky cream to the fresh baby spinach and savory Parmesan, every item is essential to make this dish unforgettable.

350 g salmon (skin-on fillets): Using skin-on helps get a crispy texture that adds delightful contrast.
500 g shrimp/prawns (peeled and deveined): These bring a sweet, tender bite that pairs perfectly with the salmon.
2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the seafood to perfection and bringing depth to the sauce.
½ onion (minced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
4 garlic cloves (crushed): Garlic infuses the dish with classic savory warmth.
3 cups baby spinach: A fresh green element that wilts into the sauce, providing color and nutrients.
6 sundried tomatoes (sliced): Their tangy and chewy bite contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
1 cup cream: The heart of the luscious sauce that ties everything together with richness.
1-2 tsp lemon juice: A splash of brightness that balances the cream and seafood flavors.
Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the lovely flavors harmoniously.
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish that makes the pasta irresistible.
500 g pasta: Choose your favorite type, from fettuccine to penne, to soak up the sauce deliciously.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry and drizzling them with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heating a large pan over medium-high heat, place the salmon skin-side down to get that irresistible crispy skin. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is beautifully browned, then flip and cook for one more minute before setting it aside. This ensures your salmon stays moist and flavorful inside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Next, season the shrimp with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and use the same pan for cooking. Shrimp cooks quickly, so allow them about 1 minute per side until they turn pink and are nearly cooked through. Removing them promptly prevents toughness and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.

Step 3: Build the Sauce with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes

In the same pan, add a bit of butter or oil along with the minced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté until fragrant to form a savory foundation. Toss in the baby spinach and sliced sundried tomatoes, cooking just until the spinach wilts gently. This mix creates a vibrant base packed with fresh and tangy notes.

Step 4: Add Cream, Lemon, and Season

Pour in the cream and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the back of your spoon. This step melds all the flavors into a silky, harmonious creaminess that’s impossible to resist.

Step 5: Reintroduce Seafood and Combine with Pasta

Return the salmon and shrimp to the pan, letting them warm through in the sauce for another minute. Meanwhile, cook your pasta until al dente, reserving a little pasta water for later. Toss the pasta in the sauce along with some Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water to bring everything together in a luscious, glossy finish.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A close-up top view of a creamy dish in a silver pan, showing a large, soft pink salmon piece in the center with light grill marks and black pepper on top. Surrounding the salmon are six cooked shrimp, orange and slightly browned with their tails still attached. The creamy sauce is pale yellow with small green leafy spinach pieces mixed in, giving the dish a fresh look. The sauce has a smooth, slightly thick texture, coating the seafood and greens evenly. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your dish, sprinkle a bit more freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of chopped parsley or basil for fragrance and an extra pop of green. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add a fresh burst of citrus, balancing the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for added variety. Garlic bread or a simple Italian focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making sure nothing delicious goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta plated with whole shrimp and salmon pieces displayed on top for an elegant look. Alternatively, layering the pasta in a deep bowl with swirls of sauce visible beneath the seafood makes for inviting, rustic charm. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also adds a glossy finish and depth of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Since the dish contains seafood and cream, it’s best enjoyed fresh but can be safely stored if needed.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp Pasta Recipe as the cream sauce may separate and the texture of cooked seafood could become rubbery after thawing.

Reheating

When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving which can dry out the seafood and make the sauce grainy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid adding excess moisture that could interfere with achieving a nice sear.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Long pastas like fettuccine or linguine are fantastic choices because they hold the creamy sauce well, but penne or rigatoni can also do the trick if you prefer short pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the cream for a coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor.

How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?

The recipe as is has no heat, making it family-friendly. However, a pinch of red pepper flakes added while sautéing garlic will give it a lovely gentle kick if you enjoy spice.

Can I prepare parts of this meal in advance?

Yes, you can prep the sauce ingredients ahead of time by chopping onions, garlic, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. Just cook everything fresh when ready for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp Pasta Recipe, it feels like a special occasion without the fuss. The richness of the sauce combined with the fresh seafood and brightness from the spinach and lemon creates a dish that’s comfort in every forkful. I highly encourage you to try it for your next dinner — it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!