This Salmon Pasta recipe blends tender, flaky salmon with a luscious, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta to create a comforting yet elegant dish. Bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon, it’s a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. The balance of rich seafood flavor and silky pasta makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this salmon pasta recipe because it combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. The creamy sauce complements the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering it, resulting in a harmonious blend of taste and texture. It’s quick to prepare, with most of the cooking done in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it fits perfectly into a balanced diet, offering a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable, versatile, and sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist inside.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining—adding a splash helps loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer taste and better melting.
- Add lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt or use a splash of white wine for added depth.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the salmon fillets a day ahead by seasoning and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge; cook them fresh for best texture. The sauce base (garlic, cream, herbs) can be made a few hours in advance and gently reheated with the pasta. Cooked pasta can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days but combine it with the sauce just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Recipe Variations
- Swap salmon for smoked salmon for a different smoky flavor and skip the searing step.
- Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra veggies and color.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Incorporate a touch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist with a hint of tropical flavor.
How to Serve
Serve the salmon pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or dill and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a touch of truffle oil over the top for added luxury. Present on warm plates to keep the dish cozy and inviting.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this salmon pasta with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complement the richness of the salmon and cream sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a light herbal iced tea works beautifully. Side dishes like garlic bread, steamed green beans, or a citrusy arugula salad balance the meal well. For dessert, consider a light lemon sorbet or panna cotta to maintain the elegant seafood dinner vibe.
How to Store
Store leftover salmon pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the salmon tender. You can freeze the cooked pasta for up to 1 month, but texture may slightly change upon thawing.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan for searing salmon and making sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Colander for draining pasta
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
- Zester for lemon (optional)
- Knife and cutting board for prepping herbs and salmon
If you don’t have a skillet, a sauté pan works just as well.
Dietary Adaptations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- For a vegan adaptation, replace salmon with pan-seared tofu or smoked carrot “lox” strips, and use plant-based cream alternatives plus vegan Parmesan.
- Nut allergies can be avoided by steering clear of nut-based creams or garnishes; this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Seasonal Adaptations
- In summer, enhance the dish with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for brightness.
- In fall and winter, add sautéed mushrooms or kale for heartiness.
- Use fresh lemon and herbs like dill or parsley in spring and summer; switch to dried herbs and a little white wine in colder months to deepen the flavor.
- When fresh salmon isn’t available, good-quality frozen fillets work well year-round.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
While fresh or frozen salmon is best for texture, canned salmon can be used in a pinch. Add it towards the end of cooking and gently fold it in to avoid breaking it apart too much.
How long should I cook the salmon?
Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
What pasta works best with salmon pasta?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?
Yes, prepare components separately and combine just before reheating to maintain quality.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?
Add cream at low heat and avoid boiling the sauce once cream is incorporated.
How To Make salmon pasta recipe
Salmon Pasta
This Salmon Pasta recipe blends tender, flaky salmon with a luscious, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta to create a comforting yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Reserved pasta cooking water (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until just cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and shallot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, avoiding browning.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and gently fold into the sauce. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dill (if using), and red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and salmon, coating evenly. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side.
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 816Total Fat 61gSaturated Fat 26gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 31gCholesterol 199mgSodium 521mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 44g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This salmon pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it a go-to when you want a satisfying meal without hours in the kitchen. With fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to personalize it with your favorite herbs or add seasonal vegetables to keep it fresh and exciting. Whether for a cozy dinner or entertaining friends, this dish promises flavor, ease, and elegance on every plate. Happy cooking!
