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Creamy Salmon Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

This easy creamy salmon pasta recipe transforms ordinary weeknights into extraordinary meals with tender flaky salmon swimming in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that coats every strand of perfect pasta. The one-pot wonder comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 1 lb), skin removed, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon chunks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned but not cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Combine Everything: Add Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Return salmon to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
  5. Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes for those who want a little kick.

Notes

Don't overcook the salmon as residual heat will finish cooking it when added back to sauce. Use fresh lemon for brightness. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling beautifully. Add spinach, peas or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.