13+ Salmon Pasta Recipes Creamy, Cozy & Comforting

There’s something special about creamy salmon pasta on a cold night—it brings me right back to my first tiny apartment when dinner needed to be quick, comforting, and as indulgent as a restaurant plate. I’d come home tired, craving that cozy bowl of noodles, and salmon always made it feel like a real treat. These 13+ salmon pasta recipes creamy, cozy & comforting, remind me of all those evenings spent stirring a silky sauce while catching up with friends around my kitchen table, and just how good comfort food can be when you need it most.

Salmon Alfredo Fettuccine

Why You’ll Love It:

A classic that never fails to impress, this fettuccine is rich, creamy, and somehow fancy and familiar at the same time. It’s perfect for date nights or slow Sundays at home—my friends request this every time they visit.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 8 oz cooked salmon (baked or poached, flaked)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
4. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked fettuccine in sauce until well coated.
6. Gently fold in flaked salmon and heat through.
7. Serve topped with parsley and extra parmesan.

Flavor Boost: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Creamy Tuscan Salmon Penne

Why You’ll Love It:

Inspired by restaurant flavors, this one brings in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and lots of garlic in a creamy sauce. It’s bold, a little tangy, and always gets wowed over as a weeknight dinner upgrade.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz penne
• 2 5-oz salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Cook penne as directed. Set aside.
2. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove, flake, and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until aromatic.
4. Stir in cream and parmesan, simmer until thickened.
5. Wilt in spinach, then add pasta and salmon, tossing gently.
6. Plate and top with basil.

Personal Note: The first time I made this, it instantly became my go-to for impressive but easy dinners.

Lemon Dill Salmon Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright and comforting at once, the lemon and dill give creamy salmon pasta a lighter twist. My kids adore the little pops of flavor, and I love how quick it comes together.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 cup cream
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet. Add cream, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Simmer until thick, add parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss in spaghetti and salmon. Mix gently.
5. Sprinkle with dill and serve warm.

Flavor Boost: Add a spoonful of capers for briny pops.

Salmon & Pea Farfalle

Why You’ll Love It:

Frozen peas and leftover salmon make this a weeknight hero. I make it when time (and energy) are short, but I still want something creamy and green.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz farfalle
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook farfalle, adding peas in the last 2 minutes. Drain.
2. Melt butter, stir in flour, and cook briefly.
3. Whisk in half-and-half to thicken.
4. Add parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss in pasta, peas, and salmon.
6. Sprinkle with parsley.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use canned salmon if you don’t have fresh.

Cold-Smoked Salmon Creamy Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

This pasta salad with creamy dressing is just right for potlucks or make-ahead lunches. The smokiness feels fancy but it’s so simple to toss together.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb rotini or fusilli
• 6 oz cold-smoked salmon, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta, rinse under cold water, and drain.
2. Whisk mayo, sour cream, lemon, salt, and pepper for dressing.
3. Combine pasta, salmon, cucumber, and dill.
4. Toss with dressing and chill.

Meal Prep Tip: Lasts up to 3 days in the fridge; freshen with extra dill before serving.

Miso Cream Cheese Salmon Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

The savory punch of miso melts into tangy cream cheese, making the sauce uniquely rich. This is comfort food with a fun, Japanese-inspired twist—great for adventurous palates.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 6 oz cooked salmon, flaked
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 1 tbsp white miso
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta and drain.
2. In skillet, melt butter, add cream cheese, miso, and milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Stir in salmon.
4. Toss sauce with pasta and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.

Spinach & Salmon White Wine Linguine

Why You’ll Love It:

Fresh and creamy, this gets sprightly from a splash of white wine and the earthy flavor of sautéed spinach. It’s an “impress the in-laws” dinner that’s not hard to whip up.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz linguine
• 8 oz salmon fillet
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine and set aside.
2. Season and sear salmon, flake, and reserve.
3. Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.
4. Add wine and cream, simmer until slightly thick.
5. Stir in parmesan, add pasta and salmon.
6. Toss, season, and serve with parsley.

Serving Idea: Pair with a simple side salad or warm garlic bread.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

Orzo cooks up fast and creamy, almost like a risotto. This is great for feeding a crowd, especially if you want pasta but less mess.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 lemon, zested
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. In skillet, melt butter and cook garlic until soft.
2. Add orzo, toasting 1 minutes, then pour in broth. Simmer until done, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in cream, salmon, and lemon zest.
4. Simmer until creamy, season, and top with parsley.

Meal Prep Tip: Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

One-Pot Creamy Salmon & Broccoli Shells

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for quick family dinners, everything cooks in one pot for less cleanup. The soft broccoli and shell pasta create a creamy bite everyone likes—no veggie battles.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz medium pasta shells
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil shells for 6 minutes. Add broccoli, cook 3 minutes longer; drain.
2. In same pot, melt butter, add flour to make a roux. Whisk in milk until smooth.
3. Stir in parmesan, season, and return pasta, broccoli, and salmon to pot.
4. Toss everything and heat through.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the broccoli—add it in the last few minutes for tender, bright green bites.

Salmon Carbonara

Why You’ll Love It:

A creamy riff on a classic, using salmon instead of pancetta. It’s easy, satisfying, and gets bonus protein without extra effort.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1/2 cup bacon or turkey bacon, chopped and crisped
• 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and black pepper
• Parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti and keep warm.
2. In separate bowl, whisk eggs, cream, and parmesan.
3. Toss hot pasta with egg mixture for a creamy sauce (off heat).
4. Stir in bacon and salmon.
5. Top with black pepper and parsley.

Swap This With That: Try smoked salmon for a stronger flavor.

Salmon, Leek & Asparagus Tagliatelle

Why You’ll Love It:

The sweet leeks and crisp asparagus brighten this creamy tagliatelle, making it feel like spring in a bowl. It’s the recipe I crave at the very start of asparagus season.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz tagliatelle
• 2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups salmon, cooked and flaked
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 lemon, zested
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook tagliatelle and set aside.
2. Sauté leeks in olive oil until soft, add asparagus and cook until bright green.
3. Pour in cream, bring to gentle simmer, add parmesan.
4. Fold in salmon and lemon zest.
5. Toss in pasta and serve.

Serving Idea: Tastes dreamy with a side of crusty bread.

Pesto Salmon Cream Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Pesto takes creamy pasta up a notch—especially with salmon. This is the dish I pull out for low-key special occasions or when basil is in abundance.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz pappardelle
• 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 cup cream
• 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
• 1/4 cup parmesan
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook pappardelle and drain.
2. Heat pesto and cream in skillet until just bubbling.
3. Add salmon and parmesan, stir gently.
4. Toss pasta with sauce and garnish with basil.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a handful of arugula for a peppery punch.

Salmon Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love It:

A playful, grown-up twist on the boxed classic. My picky niece asks for seconds—it’s creamy, dreamy, and just a little bit luxe.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook macaroni and set aside.
2. Melt 2 tbsp butter, stir in flour, then whisk in milk for a smooth sauce.
3. Stir in cheddar until melted, season to taste.
4. Combine pasta, salmon, and cheese sauce in casserole.
5. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp butter.
6. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes; top with chives.

Best Pairings: Crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or simple sliced tomatoes.

Scandinavian Creamy Salmon & Potato Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Potatoes and dill nod to Scandinavian comfort—imagine a creamy, cozy noodle salad that works both warm and cold. My family loves this for picnics or as a hearty winter dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz short pasta (like penne)
• 2 small Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp chives, snipped
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil potatoes and pasta together until both are tender; drain.
2. Mix sour cream, mustard, lemon, salt, and pepper for sauce.
3. Toss pasta, potatoes, and salmon with sauce.
4. Top with egg slices, dill, and chives.

Meal Prep Tip: Delicious served warm or chilled—add fresh dill before serving if made ahead.

Baked Ricotta Salmon Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

This hands-off pasta bake is ultra-cozy, storing well for leftovers. The creamy ricotta melts into every bite with salmon and pasta in a bubbling casserole. Rainy day comfort at its finest.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb penne
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 cups cooked salmon, flaked
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp chopped thyme
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook penne, drain.
2. Mix ricotta, milk, egg, half of each cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine pasta, salmon, and ricotta mixture in baking dish.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
5. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip the egg—it helps the casserole set.

FAQ

Can I use canned salmon for creamy salmon pasta recipes?

Yes—canned salmon works well in most recipes. Just drain it and remove any large bones or skin before adding it to the pasta.

What pasta shapes work best with creamy salmon sauces?

Fettuccine, penne, shells, or spaghetti are all great. Short shapes like penne or farfalle trap more sauce, while long strands look elegant and taste classic.

How do I store leftover salmon pasta?

Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Most creamy pastas reheat well with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I make these recipes gluten-free?

Absolutely—swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Everything else in the recipes stays the same.

Conclusion

Creamy salmon pasta is one of those comforting, generous meals that always feels like home—whether you’re throwing together dinner at the last minute or treating yourself after a long day. With recipes like these, you can keep things familiar or experiment with new flavors, all while making the most of what you have. The best part is that creamy salmon pasta adapts to any mood, season, or crowd. So reach for that pasta pot, try any combination from above, and trust your taste—good things happen in a cozy kitchen.