Simple and Elegant: Salmon Pasta with a Velvety Sauce

Every now and then, I crave a pasta dish that feels both comforting and refined, and that’s exactly where this salmon pasta recipe fits in. The first time I made it, I had leftover cooked salmon from the night before and some linguine waiting to be used, little did I know, I’d be making it again and again.

This dish is the perfect marriage of rich, flaky salmon and a creamy, garlic-infused sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for your family or a cozy dinner for guests, this salmon pasta recipe checks every box. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a Tuesday night.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s flavorful, fast, and feels a bit indulgent, this one’s a keeper.

Why This Salmon Pasta Recipe Works So Well

This salmon pasta recipe is more than just a mix of ingredients, it’s a layered combination of texture, richness, and brightness that works beautifully together. Here’s why it stands out:

• 1. The salmon: Whether you use freshly baked salmon or high-quality canned, the rich, slightly oily flakes pair wonderfully with pasta. It adds protein and depth without being heavy.
• 2. The sauce: A simple base of garlic, shallots, cream, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese creates a velvety, luscious sauce that wraps around the noodles. The citrus cuts through the richness, making every bite light and flavorful.
• 3. The flexibility: This recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can use short pasta like penne or rotini, swap cream for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free option, and add greens like spinach or arugula for freshness.
• 4. One-pan magic: You can cook the sauce while the pasta boils, and toss everything together in one pot. The result? Less cleanup, more flavor.

Recipe Card

The Salmon Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

550

kcal

A restaurant-worthy salmon pasta recipe with creamy garlic sauce, fresh lemon, and flaked salmon. Elegant and easy in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 225 g 225 pasta (linguine, penne, or preferred type)

• 2 tablespoons 2 olive oil

• 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced

• 1 small 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 180 g 180 cooked salmon (or canned, drained)

• 120 ml 120 heavy cream

• 60 ml 60 reserved pasta water

• 1 teaspoon 1 lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon 1 lemon juice

• 30 g 30 grated parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Directions

• Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 60 ml pasta water before draining.
• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Add cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
• Stir in parmesan and reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth.
• Add flaked salmon and cooked pasta. Toss gently to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with herbs before serving.

Notes

• You can use leftover grilled, baked, or even poached salmon.
• Adjust creaminess by playing with cream and pasta water ratio.

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g

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Kitchen Confidence: Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Pasta

• Use al dente pasta: Always undercook your pasta by a minute and finish it in the sauce. This lets it soak up more flavor and prevents overcooking.
• Reserve some pasta water: Don’t forget this golden trick. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adds silky texture.
• Fresh or leftover salmon? Both work: If you’re using leftovers, gently flake them into the sauce at the end to avoid overcooking. If you’re baking it fresh, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before cooking.
• Balance the richness: Lemon zest and juice add just enough acidity to keep the dish bright and not too heavy. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a gentle kick, too.
• Use good parmesan: Grate your own parmesan for best flavor and a creamy finish that blends beautifully with the sauce.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Variants of Salmon Pasta

1. Smoked Salmon Pasta

Replace cooked salmon with smoked salmon for a more intense flavor. Simply stir in thin slices at the end, they’ll warm through without cooking. The smokiness pairs beautifully with a splash of white wine in the sauce.

2. Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta

Brighten things up by doubling down on fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and basil. Add extra lemon zest and juice, and skip the cream entirely for a lighter, zippier version.

3. Spicy Salmon Pasta

If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste. You could also finish with hot smoked paprika for a spicy depth.

4. Dairy-Free Salmon Pasta

Use olive oil or vegan butter in place of dairy. Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk or oat cream, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. It’s rich, velvety, and just as satisfying.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

A Final Sprinkle of Parsley: Wrapping It Up

This salmon pasta recipe is the kind of dish that impresses without stress. It’s quick enough for busy evenings but has that “wow” factor that makes it dinner party-worthy. The combination of tender pasta, silky sauce, and rich salmon feels indulgent without being heavy and there are so many ways to make it your own.

If you enjoyed this salmon pasta, try pairing it with a Cranberry Chicken Salad or crusty garlic bread for a full meal. You might also love my Marry Me Chicken Pasta or a fresh Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

Until next time, happy cooking!