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. 🍝🐟🍋
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