Creamy Salmon Penne with Spinach, Peas, and Lemon
Delight in this quick and nutritious pasta dish where flaky salmon intertwines with vibrant baby spinach and sweet peas, all effortlessly dressed in a zesty lemon and dill sauce. Perfect for a weekday dinner, this meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Simple yet sophisticated, it's a gourmet touch to the everyday dinner table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
8 ounces
canned salmon
15 ounces (drained and flaked)
baby spinach
6 cups (washed)
peas
1 1/2 cups (fresh or frozen)
fresh dill
1/4 cup (chopped)
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (finely grated)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
2
Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan over medium heat, combine the drained and flaked salmon with the baby spinach and peas. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the salmon too much.
3
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the salmon mixture. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill, sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4
Pour the reserved pasta cooking water into the pan, enhance the flavors, and create a light sauce. Cook over medium low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the spinach is wilted and all ingredients are well combined.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh dill or lemon zest if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is 15 ounces of canned salmon, which should be drained and flaked.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is a quick meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, with the pasta taking about 10-12 minutes to cook.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked salmon. Simply flake it into pieces before adding it to the saute pan.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of penne pasta.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is dairy-free as it uses pasta cooking water and lemon juice to create a light sauce instead of cream.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use either 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen peas.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 6 cups of washed baby spinach.
What herb provides the flavor for this pasta?
Fresh dill is used to flavor the dish, specifically 1/4 cup of chopped leaves.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?
Reserving 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water helps enhance the flavors and creates a light sauce to coat the penne.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the purpose of lemon zest in this recipe?
One teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest is used to add a bright, aromatic citrus flavor to the dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Can I substitute the penne with another pasta?
Yes, other short pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle would work well as substitutes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as nutritious because it includes lean protein from salmon and high-fiber vegetables like spinach and peas.
How do I flake the salmon?
After draining the canned salmon, use a fork to gently break it into bite-sized chunks.
Can I use dried dill if I don't have fresh?
Yes, but use a smaller amount (about 1-2 teaspoons) as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
What seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
It is ready when the spinach is wilted and all ingredients are well combined and heated through, usually after 2-3 minutes.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes would complement the salmon and lemon flavors well.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a mild and zesty dish. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard penne pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety.
What should I do if the sauce is too dry?
You can add an extra splash of pasta water or a little more lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use canned tuna instead of salmon?
Yes, canned tuna can be used as a direct substitute for canned salmon in this recipe.
How do I prevent the salmon from breaking into tiny pieces?
Stir the mixture gently when combining the pasta and salmon to keep the flakes intact.
Is this a good meal prep option?
While best served fresh, it can be prepared ahead, though the spinach may soften more upon reheating.
Should the peas be cooked before adding them?
No, they will cook sufficiently in the 2-3 minutes they spend in the pan with the other ingredients.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Although not in the original recipe, a sprinkle of Parmesan or goat cheese would pair nicely.
What is the best way to reheat this?
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, lime will provide a different but pleasant citrus profile to the salmon and dill.