Best Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe: Amazing Restaurant-Quality Dinner (Easy!)

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

1. 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!)
2. Lighter Version:
   • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half
   • Add more pasta water to maintain creamyness
   • Increase lemon zest for extra brightness
3. 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

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A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender salmon and a velvety sauce that's both restaurant-quality and easy to make at home.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 725

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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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.

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Cooking the Salmon

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Flake it into bite-sized pieces once cool enough to handle.

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the flaked salmon and fresh dill to the sauce, mixing well to combine.

Combining All

1. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
2. 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

1. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh dill on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 725kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 42gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 425mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

This dish can be adjusted with smoked salmon for ease, and variations like adding red pepper flakes or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance flavor. Leftovers taste great the next day.

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