Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? I know I am! That’s why I’m excited to share my Fast and Easy Dinners For Two recipe with you. This delightful dish combines salmon and tortellini in a creamy garlic sauce, making it one of my favorite easy pasta recipes. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously creamy and packed with flavor.
- Healthy ingredients like salmon and fresh veggies.
- Perfect portion size for two, minimizing food waste.
- Great for impressing your partner or enjoying a quiet night in.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 oz / 180g salmon fillet
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 8oz / 220 g tortellini, refrigerated
- 1/3 cup cream cheese
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1/2 zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dill, dried
- 2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp mozzarella
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your 30-minute meals:
- Prepare your vegetables and cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pan, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the salmon, dill, and chopped tomato. Add a tablespoon of water and a pinch of salt, cover with a lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cream cheese and black pepper. If the mixture seems too thick, add another tablespoon of water to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the refrigerated tortellini and cook in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, or according to the package instructions.
- Lastly, add the minced garlic, chopped basil, zucchini, and stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your dinner turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to substitute the salmon with shrimp or chicken for a different flavor.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand; they add a wonderful aroma and taste.
- For a little extra crunch, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.
- If you’re looking for more weeknight dinner ideas, try pairing this dish with a side of garlic herb roasted veggies.
How to Serve
This creamy garlic pasta is best served hot, right from the stove. I love to plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. You can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the salmon and sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before adding the tortellini. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
For more delicious recipes, don’t miss out on my Coconut cake with pineapple filling: a tropical delight for your table or try making crispy baked zucchini chips as a fun side dish!
Now that you have this Fast and Easy Dinners For Two recipe in your back pocket, you can enjoy quick family dinners without the stress. Happy cooking!
Fast and Easy Dinners For Two
Ingredients
protein
- 6 oz salmon fillet
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
pasta
- 8 oz refrigerated tortellini
dairy
- ⅓ cup cream cheese
- 3 Tbsp mozzarella
vegetables
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- ½ zucchini zucchini, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dill, dried
- 2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables and cut salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pan, add salmon, dill, tomato, water, salt, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese, black pepper, and a splash of water to make a creamy sauce.
- Add tortellini to the sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Mix in garlic, basil, zucchini, and mozzarella, then serve immediately.