Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy salmon pasta is a perfect blend of rich flavors and simple ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. The tender salmon pairs beautifully with a luscious lemon-parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon fillets for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and flake into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Step 4: Add the heavy cream and let it simmer gently.
5. Step 5: Stir in lemon juice and grated parmesan until well combined. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked fettuccine and flaked salmon to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Swap fresh dill for basil or chives if preferred.
• Use penne or linguine if you don’t have fettuccine on hand.
• To keep salmon moist, avoid overcooking; it should flake easily but still be tender.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Salmon pasta is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well when done carefully.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

This recipe includes heavy cream and parmesan, which are dairy products. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 87 reviews

This creamy salmon pasta dish features tender pan-seared salmon fillets combined with fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Enhanced with fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and herbs, it’s an elegant yet easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta

Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and flake into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and gently let it simmer. Stir frequently to combine flavors and avoid scorching.
5. Add Flavors: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss Pasta and Salmon: Add the cooked fettuccine and flaked salmon back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and salmon are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped dill or parsley over the dish before serving to add a burst of freshness and color.

Notes

• Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
• Adjust the lemon juice amount to your taste preference for acidity.
• Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth—grate it fresh if possible.
• You can substitute dill with fresh parsley if preferred or for a milder herb flavor.

Keywords: Creamy salmon pasta, fettuccine with salmon, creamy garlic lemon sauce, easy pasta dinner, salmon dinner recipe