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Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 136 reviews

This Creamy Salmon Pasta recipe combines tender salmon fillets with rich, velvety cream sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine for an easy yet elegant meal. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and herbs add layers of flavor that make this dish a delightful option for dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight treat or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta

Salmon & Sauce

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 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. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin side down and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and use a fork to flake into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Simmer Cream: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine flavors.
  4. Add Lemon and Parmesan: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Toss Pasta and Salmon: Add the cooked fettuccine and flaked salmon back into the skillet. Toss gently to fully coat the pasta and salmon with the sauce.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill or parsley over the pasta before serving for a burst of fresh herbal flavor and color.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
  • Salmon can be substituted with other firm fish such as trout or even cooked shrimp.
  • If fresh dill or parsley is not available, dried herbs can be used but in smaller quantities.
  • Be careful not to overcook the salmon to prevent dryness.
  • Reserve a little pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Keywords: creamy salmon pasta, salmon fettuccine, pasta with cream sauce, easy salmon dinner, Italian pasta recipe