Theres something magical about the combination of tender salmon and perfectly cooked pasta that just makes dinner feel special! I’ve spent years (and I mean YEARS) perfecting this creamy salmon pasta recipe, and im so excited to share my secrets for creating this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.
The key lies in getting that perfect balance of flaky, seasoned salmon and al dente pasta, all wrapped up in a velvety sauce that clings to every single bite. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truely extraordinary. Whether your cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress. The best part? You dont need to be a professional chef to master it.
With just a few essential techniques and quality ingredients, you’ll create a meal that rivals any upscale Italian restaurant. I’ve found that the secret to making this dish truly exceptional lies in the timing – cooking the salmon until its just right and creating a sauce thats rich but not
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Its seriously restaurant quality but so much cheaper to make at home!
- Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occassions
- Most ingredients are probably already in your pantry
- Takes only about 30 mins from start to finish
- Leftovers taste amazing the next day (if you have any!)
- The recipe is super flexible – adjust seasoning to your taste
- Great way to get your omega-3’s from the salmon
- Everything comes together in one pan (except cooking the pasta)
- Makes you look like a pro chef with minimal effort
- Its rich and creamy but not too heavy
Variations
- Smoked Salmon Version:
- Skip cooking the salmon
- Use hot pasta to warm up peices of smoked salmon
- Add extra dill and capers (if you like them!)
- Lighter Version:
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half
- Add more pasta water to maintain creamyness
- Increase lemon zest for extra brightness
- Spicy Option:
- Add red pepper flakes to taste (start small, you can always add more!)
- Include sun-dried tomatos
- Finish with fresh basil instead of dill
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this creamy salmon pasta immediatly while its hot!
- Pair it with a crisp green salad (I love arugula with lemon vinegrette!)
- Some crusty garlic bread on the side is amazing for soaking up extra sauce
- A glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly (use the same one you cooked with!)
- Fresh lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness
- Sprinkle some extra fresh dill and parm on top right before serving
- For a complete meal, add some steamed aspargus or brocoli on the side
Nutrition
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 725 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 128mg
- Sodium: 425mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Iron: 2mg
- Calcium: 165mg
- Vitamin D: 12mcg
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 1.8g
Please note: nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes!
This creamy salmon pasta recipe has literally become my go-to for both casual dinners and special occassions. What makes it truely special is its versatility – you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. The key to success lies in not overcooking either the salmon or the pasta, and in creating a sauce thats silky smooth but not too heavy.
I absolutley love how the bright notes of lemon and dill cut through the richness of the cream sauce, while the salmon adds that perfect protein element that makes this a complete meal. Remember, the quality of your salmon matters – fresh is always best, but good-quality frozen salmon will work in a pinch. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste, and make this recipe your own!
Creamy Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine Or your choice of pasta.
Salmon Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet Fresh or good-quality frozen.
Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 lemon zest and juice For brightness.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill Can substitute with basil.
- 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
Serving Add-ons
- 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese For serving, optional.
- 2 tbsp extra fresh dill For garnish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking salmon.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Cooking the Salmon
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Flake it into bite-sized pieces once cool enough to handle.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the flaked salmon and fresh dill to the sauce, mixing well to combine.
Combining All
- Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
- Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Serving
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh dill on top.
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