Name: Tomato Spinach Salmon Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta; 1 pound salmon; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 68 reviews

If you love dishes that are as vibrant in flavor as they are in color, you’re going to adore this Tomato Spinach Salmon Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. Imagine perfectly tender, flaky salmon nestled in a luscious garlic butter sauce, punctuated with sun-kissed grape tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, all tossed with pasta cooked al dente. This recipe combines the heartiness of salmon with bright, fresh vegetables and a silky sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s a wonderful way to elevate weeknight dinners or impress guests with a meal that feels effortlessly gourmet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top left is a white plate holding a large piece of raw salmon with an orange-pink color and visible white lines of fat. To the right, a small white bowl contains a square of butter, light yellow and soft. Below the butter, a clear measuring cup filled with a pale yellow liquid labeled white wine or chicken broth sits next to a small green bowl holding a light beige powder labeled garlic powder. At the bottom of the image, a bunch of uncooked spaghetti pasta lies horizontally, light beige and smooth. To the left of the pasta, a clear measuring cup filled with fresh, bright green spinach leaves is visible. To the right of the pasta, a full white bowl holds halves of bright red grape tomatoes, juicy and shiny. Below the tomatoes, a small purple bowl contains minced garlic, cream-colored and finely chopped. Next to garlic is a small orange bowl with mixed Italian seasoning, speckled with green and brown herbs. A small white bowl with golden olive oil is near the top left center. The overall setting is bright and clean with all ingredients clearly labeled and spaced apart. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role — from the rich, flaky salmon providing protein, to the fresh baby spinach that adds a pleasant earthiness and vibrant green. The garlic butter sauce ties it all together with its creamy texture and irresistible aroma, while the juicy grape tomatoes introduce a pop of sweetness and color.

8 ounces uncooked pasta (spaghetti recommended): Choose a long pasta like spaghetti to twirl up the sauce perfectly.
1 pound salmon: Opt for fresh salmon fillets for the best flavorful and flaky results.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic profile without overpowering the dish.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out the flavors.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the salmon to a golden finish while adding richness.
3 tablespoons butter: Creates the silky base of our garlic butter sauce.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic melts into the sauce to infuse it with savory depth.
10 ounces grape tomatoes (halved): These sweet tomatoes add a burst of freshness and juice.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds light flavor and moisture, helping meld the sauce ingredients.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A subtle herb mix that complements the salmon beautifully.
2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, healthy touch that wilts perfectly in the sauce.

How to Make Tomato Spinach Salmon Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta to al dente perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil — this is key to seasoning the pasta internally. Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This texture ensures the pasta won’t become soggy once stirred into the sauce, providing a delightful chew that pairs wonderfully with the soft salmon and creamy sauce.

Step 2: Season and sear the salmon

While your pasta is cooking, pat the salmon dry and sprinkle it evenly with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat — the combination helps the salmon develop a golden crust without sticking. Sear each side of the salmon for about 3 minutes until it’s just lightly golden on the outside. This quick sear locks in moisture and leaves a tender, flaky middle. Transfer the salmon to a plate to rest for the next steps.

Step 3: Create the garlic butter sauce base

Reduce the heat to medium so the garlic doesn’t burn. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and stir it around in the leftover butter and oil, letting its aroma bloom. Next, toss in the halved grape tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth along with the Italian seasoning. Stir occasionally, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes, which forms the vibrant and slightly tangy foundation of your sauce.

Step 4: Combine spinach and salmon

Now it’s time to add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, gently mixing until it starts to wilt and soften. Then add back in the salmon, breaking it up into bite-sized flakes with your spoon without turning it to mush. Let everything cook together for 3-5 more minutes, which allows the salmon to finish cooking fully while the spinach melds into the garlicky, buttery tomato sauce.

Step 5: Toss the pasta with the sauce

Before draining your pasta, reserve a splash of the starchy pasta water. After draining, add the pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together. This starchy water helps loosen the sauce if it feels too thick, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in that irresistible garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper as needed, then give it a final toss to marry all the flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Tomato Spinach Salmon Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

The image shows a red cast iron pan filled with a colorful dish. The base layer consists of cooked, golden brown pieces of chicken spread evenly throughout the pan. Intermixed are bright red cherry tomatoes, halved and slightly softened, scattered between the chicken pieces. Fresh, vibrant green spinach leaves are layered on top, some wilted and blending into the dish, others more whole and textured, adding depth. The dish is coated in a light creamy orange sauce that pools at the bottom, giving the ingredients a glossy look. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty touch that enriches the sauce further. You can also top it with chopped fresh parsley or basil to introduce bright herbal notes and a burst of green color, making it look extra inviting. A light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a luscious finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta dish is quite substantial on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette are wonderful for sopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta family-style on a large platter with the salmon flakes beautifully arranged on top for an impressive presentation. For a dinner party, place the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish each with a lemon wedge for a fragrant citrus twist. You can even add toasted pine nuts or walnuts to introduce a little crunch and make the dish visually intriguing and texturally exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tomato Spinach Salmon Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to let the flavors meld, but be aware the pasta may absorb more liquid, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta dish is not recommended if you want to maintain the best texture and flavor, because pasta and spinach tend to get watery or mushy after thawing. However, if you freeze, place it in a tightly sealed container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between bursts for an even temperature without overcooking the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully with this recipe, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer. The key is to choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well.

Is it possible to substitute fresh spinach with frozen?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain frozen spinach before adding it to avoid excess water in your sauce, which can dilute the flavors.

Can I cook the salmon separately and add it later?

You can, though cooking it alongside the sauce allows the salmon to soak up extra flavor and keeps it moist. If cooking separately, ensure it’s well-seasoned and gently flake it into the pasta just before serving.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

If you want a vegetarian twist or simply don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works great too. You can also use water with a pinch of salt, though broth adds more depth of flavor.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, and skip the Parmesan garnish or use a plant-based cheese alternative. This simple change allows the dish to remain rich and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Spinach Salmon Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a shining example of how approachable ingredients can come together in delicious harmony. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that feels special but comes together quickly enough for busy weeknights. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every garlicky, buttery, colorful bite!