Creamy Salmon Pasta 🍝🐟 Silky, Savory, and Weeknight-Worthy Comfort

Creamy Salmon Pasta is where luxury meets ease — a garlic cream sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta and tender salmon, with herbs and lemon to keep it fresh.

It’s a 30-minute dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but starts with simple ingredients.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 small shallot or ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or ¾ cup cream + ¼ cup pasta water)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp lemon zest
  • 1½ cups cooked salmon (grilled, baked, or canned), flaked
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil or butter. Sauté shallot until soft (2–3 minutes), then add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Step 3: Add Cream and Simmer

Pour in cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Salmon and Combine

Stir in flaked salmon and warm through (1–2 minutes). Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off heat. Stir in herbs and cheese (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra herbs and lemon wedges.

Variations

  • Use smoked salmon for a briny twist
  • Add peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for texture and color
  • Swap cream for a mix of milk + cream cheese for tangier flavor
  • Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a spoon of Calabrian chili paste

Serving Ideas

  • Pair with a crisp green salad and white wine
  • Serve with garlic bread or roasted asparagus
  • Top with extra Parmesan and black pepper for richness
  • Chill leftovers for a cold pasta lunch — it holds up beautifully

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overheat the cream — keep it just below a boil to stay silky
  • Stir salmon in gently to avoid breaking it up too much
  • Pasta water is gold — use it to adjust texture to your liking
  • Use fresh herbs at the end to keep their brightness

Final Thoughts

Creamy Salmon Pasta is rich, quick, and full of flavor — the kind of dish that feels special but comes together in a flash. Whether you’re using leftovers or planning ahead, this creamy combo hits every comfort note.

Simmer it. Toss it. Serve it silky. 🍝🐟🍋

🐟 Explore Salmon Recipes for Every Occasion

From quick weeknight dinners to elegant mains, these salmon recipes cover everything from baking and grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.

🔥 Easy Baked Salmon in the Oven – Tender, flaky salmon with garlic butter and lemon.
🍽️ Air Fryer Salmon Recipes – Crispy on the outside, juicy inside — done in minutes.
🥫 Canned Salmon Recipes for Quick Meals – Pantry-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
🌿 Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs – Lightly charred and bright with citrusy herb flavor.
🥗 Salmon Salad Recipes – Fresh, protein-packed salads with flaky or grilled salmon.
🍚 Salmon Rice Bowl Recipes – Build-your-own bowls with veggies, grains, and sauce.
🍝 Creamy Salmon Pasta – Rich, velvety sauce with tender salmon chunks.
🍋 Salmon Pasta with Spinach or Lemon – A lighter twist with greens or zesty citrus.
🥑 Keto Salmon with Avocado – Low-carb, high-flavor, and full of healthy fats.
🍯 Honey Glazed Salmon – Sweet and savory glaze with a caramelized finish.
🧀 Stuffed Salmon with Spinach – Creamy spinach filling wrapped in perfectly baked fillets.
🍱 Asian Glazed Salmon – Soy-ginger glaze with sticky, umami-packed goodness.

🦐 Explore More Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
🧀 Comforting Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, cheesy bakes with crab, shrimp, or scallops.
🥣 Warm and Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick and delicious mains like garlic butter tilapia.
🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light yet flavorful options like grilled mahi mahi with salsa.
🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy rice dishes with seared scallops and fresh veg.
🌊 Seafood Stews – Hearty, rustic stews from the Mediterranean and beyond.

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