Indulge in Our Dreamy Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe Tonight

Swimming in flavor, this creamy salmon pasta brings Mediterranean magic straight to your kitchen.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a symphony of richness and comfort.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Delicate salmon pieces nestle perfectly among silky noodles, creating a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Herbs and cream weave a luxurious backdrop for tender fish, promising satisfaction in every forkful.

Simplicity meets sophistication in this remarkable dish that anyone can master.

Let’s uncover the delicious secrets waiting to make your evening extraordinary.

Salmon Pasta Add-On Ideas

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute salmon with shrimp or white fish for a different protein-packed seafood experience.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy sauce and protein.

Dishes That Go with Creamy Salmon Pasta

• Ocean's Elegant Dinner: Perfect for romantic date nights, impressing your partner with restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Fresh Herb Companion: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or dill on top to enhance brightness and add vibrant color contrast to creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement salmon's rich flavor and cut through creamy sauce.
• Salad Side Kick: Create light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance pasta's richness and provide refreshing vegetable element to complete meal.

Best Way to Keep Salmon Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover salmon pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain quality.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through and creamy.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh or wild-caught salmon provides the best flavor and texture. Atlantic or sockeye salmon are excellent choices that flake easily and blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work wonderfully with this creamy salmon pasta. Choose pasta with good sauce-holding capabilities for the best eating experience.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, the dish is moderately rich due to heavy cream and butter. It offers protein from salmon and can be balanced with a side salad for a more nutritious meal.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a bit more Parmesan cheese or a splash of pasta water to achieve a smoother, silkier sauce consistency. Stirring continuously helps create a more uniform texture.

Creamy Salmon Pasta in Focus

• Whip Up a Gourmet Meal: Elevate your weeknight dinner with restaurant-quality flavors that impress without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping salmon for chicken or adding extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Create a rich, creamy pasta dish using just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together quickly.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplify your cooking process by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing cleanup and making mealtime stress-free.

What You Need for Creamy Salmon Pasta

• Salmon: A flaky and rich fish that provides the primary protein for the dish.

• Pasta: The starchy foundation that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the salmon.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a smooth cooking base.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety texture for the pasta sauce.
• Broth: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds liquid to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty flavor to the creamy sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Balance and enhance the dish's overall taste with varying levels of heat and seasoning.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy accent to cut through the richness of the sauce.

• Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal finish and adds visual appeal to the dish.

Putting Together Creamy Salmon Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop pasta into salted boiling water and cook according to package directions.

Once tender, drain and set pasta aside in a colander.

Step 2: Sear Salmon Beautifully

Place a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.

Carefully lay salmon into the pan and cook until golden brown and easily flakes with a fork, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Transfer salmon to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until garlic becomes fragrant and turns slightly golden, releasing its delicious aroma.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits.

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients thoroughly and allow sauce to simmer and slightly thicken.

Step 5: Incorporate Salmon

Gently return salmon to the skillet, breaking it into tender chunks.

Splash fresh lemon juice over the mixture and stir softly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing carefully to ensure every strand gets coated with the luxurious cream sauce.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Tips for Smooth Salmon Pasta Cooking

• Break salmon into tender chunks to distribute flavor evenly without making it mushy.
• Simmer sauce slowly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
• Use high-quality, fresh salmon and real Parmesan for maximum flavor depth.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Cook pasta al dente to prevent overcooking when mixing with hot sauce and salmon.

Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Luxurious salmon pasta delivers rich Mediterranean flavors from coastal Italian kitchens. Cream-based sauce and fresh herbs combine for an elegant dinner experience you will savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 salmon fillets (skinless, cut into chunks)

Pasta and Starch:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Sear salmon in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and easily flaked. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Reduce heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Deglaze pan with broth, scraping up caramelized bits from bottom. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened.
5. Gently break salmon into rustic chunks and reintroduce to the simmering sauce. Splash with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated. Toss carefully to prevent breaking salmon pieces.
7. Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

• Perfectly flake salmon by using a fork and gently separating the fish into bite-sized chunks to ensure tender, even pieces throughout the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that still maintains a creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Choose fresh salmon fillets over frozen for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring the fish is at room temperature before cooking to promote even heat distribution.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or add extra for a spicier kick that complements the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 810 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg