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 that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously creamy and packed with flavor.
- Healthy ingredients that make for a satisfying meal.
- Great for two, but easy to double for family dinner.
- Minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy your evening!
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
Let’s dive into the cooking process! 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.
- Next, stir in the tortellini pasta 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 dish turns out perfectly:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the salmon with shrimp or chicken for a different twist.
- If you’re short on time, you can use frozen tortellini; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Don’t skip the fresh basil; it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor!
How to Serve
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner for two, but it can easily be scaled up for a small gathering. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine to elevate your dining experience. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can chop your vegetables and cut the salmon ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Now that you have this quick family dinner recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again! For those sweet moments when you want to indulge, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for dessert. And if you’re in the mood for something classic, my Moist Chocolate Cake is always a hit!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious creamy garlic pasta tonight!
Fast and Easy Dinners For Two
Ingredients
Method
- 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 water if needed to make a creamy sauce.
- Add tortellini and cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir in garlic, basil, zucchini, and mozzarella.
- Serve immediately with Parmesan if desired.