Creamy Salmon and Tortellini Skillet Recipe
A quick and flavorful dinner for two featuring tender salmon with creamy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all cooked together in a single pan for an easy and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 6 oz / 180g salmon fillet
- 1/3 cup cream cheese
- 3 Tbsp mozzarella cheese
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1/2 zucchini, chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
Pasta & Oils
- 8 oz / 220 g refrigerated tortellini
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Water as needed (approx. 2 Tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces and chop the zucchini, tomato, garlic, and basil to have them ready for cooking.
- Cook Salmon and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces, dried dill, and chopped tomato. Pour in 1 tablespoon of water and add a pinch of salt. Cover with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes to gently steam and cook the salmon and vegetables.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and black pepper. If the mixture is too thick due to less juicy tomatoes, add an additional tablespoon of water to form a creamy sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated tortellini pasta, coating it well with the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes or follow the package instructions on cooking time while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped zucchini, and mozzarella cheese to the pan. Stir gently to combine and allow the mozzarella to melt slightly, creating a rich and flavorful finish.
- Serve: Serve the dish immediately. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.
Notes
- Use refrigerated tortellini for faster cooking, but frozen can be used if cooking time is adjusted.
- If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, use fresh dill instead of dried.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds a savory finishing touch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: salmon dinner, easy dinner for two, creamy tortellini, quick stovetop meal, salmon pasta recipe, basil salmon, cream cheese sauce
