Salmon Spinach Pasta with Lemon Yogurt Sauce Recipe
A quick and healthy dinner recipe featuring tender baked salmon, al dente rigatoni pasta, and fresh baby spinach tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt sauce flavored with lemon and dill. A light yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet with skin
- 12 oz rigatoni (or favorite pasta)
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of one lemon
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste, about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat & Season Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season the top with dried dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly to infuse flavor.
- Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes until it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove it from the oven, take off the skin, and gently break the salmon into bite-sized chunks.
- Cook Pasta: While the salmon is baking, cook the rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to help create the sauce later.
- Toss Spinach & Make Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the baby spinach leaves and toss until they wilt. Stir in Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add Salmon & Serve: Gently fold the salmon chunks into the creamy pasta mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated with the sauce. Remove from heat immediately and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe combines fresh ingredients for a healthy, light dinner option.
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned salmon as alternatives.
- Avoid adding oil to pasta water as it prevents sauce from sticking to noodles.
- Adjust lemon juice and red pepper flakes to taste for a tangier or spicier dish.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup of baking sheet.
Keywords: salmon pasta, spinach pasta, baked salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, creamy yogurt sauce pasta
