Description
Tuscan Salmon Tortellini in Garlic Sauce is an elegant dish that combines flaky, perfectly seared salmon with tender cheese-filled tortellini and fresh baby spinach in a rich, velvety garlic-cream sauce. Brightened with lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasonings, it brings restaurant-quality Tuscan flavors to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packages (9 oz each) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
- 2 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, or thyme
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the salmon and cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until opaque and flaky. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the heavy cream and broth. Stir and simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss until well coated in the sauce.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large pieces and gently fold it into the tortellini mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Cook the tortellini just until al dente so it holds its texture in the creamy sauce.
- Fresh salmon and freshly grated Parmesan give the best flavor.
- Frozen tortellini can be used; follow the package cooking instructions.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months, although the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: Tuscan salmon tortellini, salmon tortellini, garlic sauce, creamy salmon pasta, Tuscan salmon, tortellini recipe, creamy tortellini
