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Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner

This creamy salmon pasta combines tender salmon flakes with a luxurious cream sauce and al dente pasta for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss, featuring fresh herbs and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz salmon fillets, skin removed
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from skillet and flake into large chunks.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add lemon zest and juice, plus red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the cream sauce along with 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the flaked salmon and fresh herbs. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread.

Notes

Choose quality salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon has the best flavor, but frozen works well too. Don't overcook the salmon: Remove it from the pan when it's slightly underdone to prevent dryness. Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a silky, emulsified sauce. Fresh herbs make the difference: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh dill and parsley add vibrant flavor.