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Creamy Salmon Pasta

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Creamy Salmon Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish featuring tender salmon and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This elegant yet easy meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets, skin removed
  • Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or your favorite variety)
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Garlic, minced
  • Shallot or onion, finely chopped
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh spinach (optional)
  • Lemon juice
  • Lemon zest (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season the salmon with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon for 3–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and flake into large pieces.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the shallot until softened.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add the spinach if using and cook until wilted.
  9. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest if using.
  10. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  11. Gently fold in the flaked salmon.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Fresh or leftover cooked salmon both work well in this recipe.
  • Smoked salmon can be stirred into the sauce near the end of cooking for a richer flavor.
  • Add peas, asparagus, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk, cream, or broth. Freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce may separate.

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