Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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