Delicious & Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

Craving a luxurious meal without the fuss? This creamy salmon pasta recipe delivers a five-star restaurant experience right to your home kitchen. It is incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like a gourmet creation. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for special occasions, this meal features flaky, perfectly cooked salmon nestled in a rich, decadent sauce. Get ready to elevate your dinner game!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Salmon Pasta

This delightful creamy salmon pasta recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons.

• It is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home without the hefty price tag.
• This versatile dish suits both casual weeknight meals and special gatherings.
• The rich, decadent sauce combined with tender pasta creates a truly satisfying meal.
• You get healthy protein from the salmon, making this a balanced and nourishing choice.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this delightful salmon pasta recipe is the first step towards a delicious meal. Always use fresh, high-quality components for the best flavor.

For the Salmon:

• 1 ½ lbs fresh salmon fillets (about 2–3 fillets)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 lemon (½ for salmon, ½ for sauce)
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pappardelle or linguine (or your favorite long pasta)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsps salted butter
• Olive oil, a drizzle
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many ingredients. For salmon, choose fresh or frozen fillets, thawing thoroughly if frozen. Wild-caught salmon often has a richer flavor than farm-raised. Feel free to use other long pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs. Instead of thyme, try fresh dill, oregano, or basil for different aromatic notes. You can swap Parmesan for pecorino romano or asiago cheese if you prefer. Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the spice level; omit them entirely for a milder dish.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy salmon pasta recipe.

• Baking sheet or 9×13 baking dish for the salmon.
• Large skillet for preparing the creamy sauce.
• Large pot for boiling your pasta.
• Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for perfectly cooked salmon).

Instructions

Creating this flavorful salmon pasta recipe is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. Get ready for a delicious meal!

1. Preheat oven and prepare salmon: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet or in a 9×13 baking dish. Make small slits in the top of each fillet; this helps the flavors penetrate.
2. Season salmon: Squeeze ½ lemon juice over the salmon, then drizzle with honey. In a small bowl, combine parsley, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Spoon this spice mixture evenly over the salmon. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
3. Roast salmon: Bake the salmon for 20-25 minutes, or until it is flaky and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Set aside.
4. Cook pasta: While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pappardelle or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
5. Start the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and the salted butter. Once the butter melts, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
6. Add aromatics: Stir in the diced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
7. Simmer cream: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
8. Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the remaining ½ lemon juice into the sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest until everything is well combined and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
9. Combine pasta and salmon: Add the drained pasta directly to the creamy garlic sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring all the noodles are thoroughly coated.
10. Serve: Gently flake or cut the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pasta. You can gently toss it in or arrange the flakes on top. Serve immediately, garnished with additional red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This salmon pasta recipe is best enjoyed fresh!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect salmon pasta recipe is easy with a few expert tips.

• Pin Bones: Always check your salmon for pin bones. Run your fingers along the fillet and use clean pliers or tweezers to remove any you find.
• Avoid Overcooking Salmon: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon reaches 145°F (63°C). Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough.
• Salt Pasta Water: Generously salt your pasta water. It seasons the pasta from the inside out, making a huge difference in flavor.
• Quality Salmon: Choose fresh salmon with a vibrant color and firm flesh for the best results in your creamy salmon pasta.
• Pasta Shape: Long, flat pasta like pappardelle or linguine is ideal as it provides ample surface area for the rich sauce to cling to.
• Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy top, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken broth.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile creamy salmon pasta recipe is perfect for many occasions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this rich pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping.
• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness.
• Consider roasted asparagus or broccoli for added vegetables and texture.

Storage Instructions

Cool any leftover salmon pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of extra cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess and prevent dryness.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Swaps: This recipe also works wonderfully with cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of salmon.
• Add Fresh Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach or arugula at the end, or sauté asparagus or cherry tomatoes with the onions for extra color and nutrients.
• Herb & Spice Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or basil, or add a pinch of lemon pepper for a zesty kick.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information for this salmon pasta recipe is an estimate based on the ingredients provided and may vary depending on exact product brands and portion sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
  Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing it as directed.
• What type of pasta is best for this creamy salmon pasta recipe?
  Long, flat pasta like pappardelle or linguine works wonderfully as it holds the creamy sauce well. Fettuccine or even spaghetti are also great choices.
• How do I prevent a watery sauce?
  Ensure your cooked pasta is well-drained before adding it to the sauce. Also, letting the cream sauce simmer gently for a few minutes helps it thicken properly.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  You can try using dairy-free heavy cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, but the texture and flavor will be different.
• How do I ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked?
  The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Salmon is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Conclusion

This creamy salmon pasta recipe is truly a showstopper, proving that gourmet meals can be both easy and accessible. With its flaky, tender salmon and rich, aromatic sauce, it delivers an unforgettable dining experience perfect for any occasion. We hope you feel inspired to try this delightful dish and discover how simple it is to create restaurant-quality flavor at home. Give this amazing salmon pasta recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us!

Delicious & Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

This Delicious & Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe features tender baked salmon seasoned with lemon, honey, and spices, combined with al dente pappardelle or linguine. It's all tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, onion, thyme, heavy cream, and parmesan, creating a decadent yet simple meal perfect for any night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 980

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs salmon
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb pappardelle or linguine
• 2 tbsps Salted Butter
• Olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic diced
• 1/2 onion diced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• 9x13 Baking Dish
• Small bowl
• Skillet
• Pot

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare salmon by making slits, squeezing half a lemon, drizzling honey, seasoning with a spice blend, salt, pepper, and olive oil, then bake for 20-25 minutes.
2. While the salmon bakes, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sauté diced onion for 3 minutes, then add garlic and thyme and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Reduce heat, add heavy cream, smoked paprika, cayenne, and red pepper flakes to the skillet; cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in the remaining lemon juice, grated parmesan, and lemon zest.
4. Cook noodles according to package directions, drain, then add to the sauce and toss to coat. Mix in the baked salmon and garnish with extra red pepper flakes and parmesan.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the salmon; it should be flaky but still moist. You can also customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper in the sauce.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com