Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy salmon pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.

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 pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Step 2: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from heat and flake into large pieces.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped dill or parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and flaked salmon to the sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs or parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor instead of bottled juice.
• Swap dill for parsley if you prefer a milder herb taste.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne, linguine, or spaghetti.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh salmon?

You can substitute smoked salmon or canned salmon, but adjust cooking time accordingly since they are already cooked.

Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

This Creamy Salmon Pasta combines tender salmon fillets with a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine and fresh herbs. The dish is quick to prepare yet indulgently flavorful, offering a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta

Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Sauce:

• 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

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the salmon: While the pasta is cooking, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring continuously. Allow the cream to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Combine ingredients: Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add to the skillet with the cream sauce. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped dill or parsley. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss pasta and serve: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy salmon sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs or parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less thick.
• Fresh herbs like dill or flat-leaf parsley add a bright herbal note that complements the salmon.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
• To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free fettuccine or noodles.

Keywords: creamy salmon pasta, fettuccine, salmon recipe, easy pasta, Italian seafood pasta, garlic cream sauce, quick dinner