Description
Salmon with Spinach Tortellini is the ultimate comfort dish, blending the heartiness of cheese-filled pasta with the fresh, flaky flavors of seared salmon. The creamy, garlic-infused sauce ties everything together, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe is simple to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. Follow along as we guide you step-by-step to create this vibrant and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the tortellini and sauce:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1: Prepare the Tortellini
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (typically 6-8 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain the tortellini using a colander and set it aside. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2: Season and Sear the Salmon
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of each fillet.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet.
- Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
3: Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes to soften them slightly.
4: Create the Sauce
- Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Plate the tortellini and sauce in individual servings, then top each with a seared salmon fillet.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
Opt for fresh salmon fillets, spinach, and cherry tomatoes to ensure the best flavor and texture for the dish. - Pat the Salmon Dry:
Before seasoning, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a perfect golden sear. - Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:
When searing the salmon, give each fillet enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of achieving a crispy crust. - Cook Tortellini Al Dente:
Slightly undercook the tortellini while boiling since it will finish cooking in the sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy. - Taste as You Cook:
Adjust the seasoning in the sauce gradually, tasting as you go, to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with tortellini and sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg