The Tranquil Vintessa

Today was kind of day that could only be answered with pasta. You know the ones — when everything feels long, stretched thin, and by the time you get home, your body wants to melt into the couch. I almost talked myself into ordering takeout, but I didn’t just want food, I wanted comfort and indulgence. Not a complicated production, just a soft, satisfying meal that felt like a little indulgence.

So I pulled out my skillet — the one that’s followed me through more moves and meals than I can count — and decided on one-pan salmon pasta with a whisper of Merlot was perfect. It sounds fancier than it is. Really, it’s pasta, butter, garlic, salmon, and a tiny pour of wine The kind of simple alchemy that makes you close your eyes for a second when you take the first bite.

I love how dishes like this turn the evening around. The sizzle of butter softening garlic, the way the salmon crisps just so, the swirl of pasta catching all the flavors — it feels like the world slows down for a moment. It’s not just dinner, it’s care. A warm plate and a glass of wine reminding me that I deserve softness, even on the heaviest days.

Ingredients

• 1 salmon fillet (~4–5 oz)
• 3 oz dry pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2–3 tbsp Merlot (or another red wine you love)
• ¾ cup chicken or veggie broth (or water + a pinch of bouillon)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt & pepper
• Parmesan for topping

How to Make It

1. Cook the pasta: Add pasta, broth, and a pinch of salt to a deep skillet. Let it simmer until almost al dente, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the salmon: Push the pasta to the side. Melt butter and olive oil in the empty space. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove salmon and set aside.
3. Add garlic and wine: Toss garlic into the buttery pan, cooking for ~30 seconds. Pour in the Merlot and let it bubble for a minute.
4. Add veggies: Add cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly (1–2 minutes).
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Swirl the pasta in the pan, mixing gently with the vegetables. Lay the salmon back on top.
6. Finish: Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and serve immediately.

The Little Magic in This Dish

It’s a one-pan dinner, but it doesn’t feel like a shortcut. The pasta soaks up the buttery wine sauce, the salmon flakes into tender bites, and the Merlot adds that hint of warmth that feels indulgent. It’s easy, yes, but more than that — it’s grounding. A dish that doesn’t just feed you, it reminds you that slowing down can be simple, and that comfort can be cooked in twenty minutes flat.

Because some nights, all you really need is a warm plate of pasta, a glass of wine, and the reminder that you can always create a little beauty in the middle of the mess.