Salmon Pasta combines tender, perfectly seared salmon with a rich, garlic-infused sauce that coats each strand of pasta. It’s an easy-to-make weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Pasta
Salmon pasta is not only a satisfying meal but also a healthy one. Salmon, being packed with omega-3 fatty acids, is great for your heart, brain, and overall wellness. Pairing this nutritional powerhouse with pasta creates a dish that offers both comfort and nourishment. The creamy sauce adds depth to the flavor, and the addition of fresh herbs and citrus elevates the overall experience.
Whether you prefer your salmon grilled, pan-seared, or even smoked, this dish can be easily customized. Perfect for those who love seafood or anyone looking for a new spin on their regular pasta night.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Salmon Pasta
Choose the Right Pasta: For a more decadent dish, use fettuccine or linguine, as their flat shapes are perfect for holding onto creamy sauces. However, spaghetti also works wonderfully if you prefer a classic shape.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: If you’re using fresh salmon, avoid overcooking it. It should remain moist and tender inside. A well-cooked salmon fillet should flake easily without being dry.
Use Fresh Salmon for Extra Flavor: While smoked salmon can be a great shortcut, fresh salmon provides a fresh, light taste that works beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also grill it for an added smoky flavor.
Save Pasta Water: This starchy water is essential for adjusting the cream sauce, so make sure to save a cup of it before draining the pasta.
Variations to Try
Spicy Salmon Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the creamy sauce to spice things up.
Veggie Boost: Stir in some sautéed spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Pesto Salmon Pasta: For a fresh twist, add a dollop of basil pesto to the sauce for an herby, garlicky flavor.
Low-Carb Option: If you’re watching your carbs, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. The lightness of these alternatives complements the rich salmon perfectly.
How to Serve Salmon Pasta
This dish is best served immediately after preparation, while the pasta and sauce are still fresh and creamy. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp side salad, perhaps with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it alongside a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, to complement the flavors of the dish.
For a more substantial meal, serve it with roasted vegetables or a slice of warm, crusty bread to sop up the creamy sauce.
How to Store Salmon Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the creamy texture. Be careful not to overheat the salmon, as it can become dry.
Can you freeze salmon pasta? It’s not ideal to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. However, if needed, you can freeze the salmon separately and reassemble the dish once defrosted.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon?
Yes! Smoked salmon is a great alternative and adds a unique flavor to the dish. Simply chop it into pieces and stir it in when mixing the pasta and sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the salmon fresh to retain its texture. Reheat the pasta and sauce gently, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to smooth out the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cream by simmering it longer or add a little extra Parmesan cheese. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the sauce from burning.
Salmon Pasta
Salmon Pasta combines tender, perfectly seared salmon with a rich, garlic-infused sauce that coats each strand of pasta. It’s an easy-to-make weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 salmon fillets (about 3/4 lb)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (divided)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper (divided)
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 2 tbsp capers
- Lemon wedges (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Spray a small baking pan with nonstick spray and place the salmon in, skin-side down. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper, then bake for 14-16 minutes or until the salmon reaches 145°F and is opaque throughout.
- While the salmon bakes, salt the boiling water and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the cream, wine, lemon zest, and the remaining ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add spinach and capers to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts. Toss in the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, mixing until well-coated.
- Remove the salmon from the oven. Discard the skin and break the salmon into large chunks over the pasta. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 716Total Fat 48gSaturated Fat 24gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 171mgSodium 537mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 34g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final outcome
This Salmon Pasta recipe is an elegant, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture. The combination of fresh salmon, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety cream sauce is a winning combination that will have you coming back for more.
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