Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta

A creamy and easy salmon pasta made in the air fryer with cherry tomatoes, spinach, cream cheese, and spaghetti for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Servings: 2 people

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Air Fryer

2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes whole
1 salmon fillet large, about 6 to 8 oz
1 block cream cheese 4 to 6 oz
1-2 tbsp olive oil
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
paprika to taste
dried dill or parsley to taste
dried Italian seasoning or oregano to taste

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti cooked and drained

Method

Prepare the air fryer basket.Place a silicone liner in the basket if using, or add the ingredients directly to the basket.
Layer the spinach and tomatoes.Add the fresh spinach to the bottom of the basket, then scatter the cherry tomatoes over the top.
Add and season the salmon.Place the salmon fillet over the vegetables. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried dill or parsley.
Add the cream cheese and oil.Place the block of cream cheese next to the salmon. Sprinkle it with dried Italian seasoning or oregano, then drizzle olive oil over the salmon, cream cheese, and vegetables.
Air fry until cooked.Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, the tomatoes are blistered, and the cream cheese is soft.
Mash the sauce together.Remove the basket from the air fryer. Use two forks to break up the salmon and mash it together with the softened cream cheese, roasted tomatoes, and spinach to create a creamy sauce.
Add the spaghetti.Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the basket, or transfer everything to a large bowl if needed.
Toss and serve.Toss everything together until the spaghetti is fully coated in the creamy salmon sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Check the salmon at the 10-minute mark so it does not overcook.
Mash the salmon and cream cheese while still hot for the smoothest sauce.
Slightly softened cream cheese mixes more easily into the sauce.
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente (stop cooking when it still has a tiny bit of firmness) so it does not turn too soft after mixing.
If needed, transfer everything to a large bowl before tossing with the spaghetti.
Adjust salt and pepper after mixing, since the final flavor changes once the pasta is added.

Why You’ll Love It

Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Uses the air fryer to create a creamy sauce with very little effort.
Combines salmon, spinach, tomatoes, and spaghetti in one comforting meal.
Great for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels rich and satisfying.

Helpful Tips

Slightly softened cream cheese mixes more easily into the sauce.
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente so it does not become too soft after tossing with the sauce.
If your air fryer basket is small, transfer the cooked salmon and sauce mixture to a large bowl before adding the spaghetti.
Adjust the seasoning after mixing, especially the salt, pepper, and herbs.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a small splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still make a quick and flavorful meal the next day.

Disclaimer

This recipe may contain ingredients that can trigger allergies or sensitivities, including fish, dairy, garlic, herbs, and spices. Please review all ingredients carefully and make substitutions as needed for your dietary needs. Nutritional information, if shown, should be treated as an estimate only.