Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Salmon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and healthy. Featuring tender, flaky salmon paired with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is an elegant yet easy meal perfect for any occasion.
A delightful combination of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, this pasta recipe balances the richness of the sauce with the lightness of perfectly cooked salmon. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.
This recipe is quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a gourmet dish that’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium skillet or frying pan
- Mixing spoon
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for pasta water
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dill, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the reserved pasta water and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Flake the cooked salmon into chunks and gently fold it into the pasta.
5. Serve:
- Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
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Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Salmon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and healthy. Featuring tender, flaky salmon paired with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is an elegant yet easy meal perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Medium skillet or frying pan
- Mixing Spoon
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for pasta water
- For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets skin-on or skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup pasta water reserved
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dill, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the reserved pasta water and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Flake the cooked salmon into chunks and gently fold it into the pasta.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
Tips for Cooking
- Use fresh salmon: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Aim for perfectly tender salmon by cooking it until just opaque.
- Save the pasta water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky texture.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Creamy Salmon Pasta is a delicious way to elevate your dinner routine with minimal effort. It’s packed with nutrients, rich in flavor, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Creamy Salmon Pasta is sure to impress. With its perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender salmon, and hearty pasta, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
