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Creamy Salmon Pasta

Creamy Salmon Pasta is a rich yet balanced one-pan meal made with tender pasta, perfectly cooked salmon fillet, and a silky cream sauce. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, making it a favorite among salmon pasta recipes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
  • 2 salmon fillets about 12 oz / 340 g total, skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Fresh parsley or dill chopped
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup spinach or peas
  • Red pepper flakes for heat

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  4. Cook salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth.
  8. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, using pasta water to loosen if needed.
  9. Gently flake salmon and fold into the pasta.
  10. Add lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook salmon; it should flake easily
Pasta water helps create a silky creamy pasta sauce
Leftover or baked salmon works well
Great base recipe for other pasta with salmon variations