Salmon Pasta

Introducing the Creamy Salmon Pasta, a delightful and elegant dish perfect for a cozy date night at home. Imagine succulent roasted salmon, tender spinach, and zesty capers harmoniously mingling with pasta, all embraced by a luscious white wine sauce.

Here it is – the star of the show and the reigning champion in Foxes Love Lemons’ culinary history. If you’ve found your way here through a Google search for “salmon pasta” or “pasta with salmon,” you’re in for a real treat.

This creamy salmon pasta is ideal for a romantic dinner or date night at home, but it’s also quick and easy enough for a weekday!

This creamy salmon pasta recipe is your ticket to a special “date night” or an indulgent dinner in the comfort of your own home.

A little trip down memory lane: Back in my college days, whenever my parents treated me to dinner, my go-to order was either a perfectly grilled flat iron steak or some delectable seafood, often in the form of seafood pasta, which was quite the trendy menu item back then. You see, living in the dorms, the cafeteria wasn’t renowned for its stellar crab-stuffed salmon or Cajun salmon pasta. And let’s be honest, whatever pasta dishes they attempted, they always ended up overcooked.

So, whenever the opportunity arose for a special meal out, it was a no-brainer—steak or seafood it was. Even today, seafood pasta, like salmon alfredo, remains one of my top “luxury” meals, whether enjoyed at a restaurant or savored at home.

This creamy salmon pasta may exude an air of decadence, but even when I sneak in a whole box of spinach, it feels like a luxurious treat. Generous chunks of roasted salmon and zesty capers dance with pasta in a creamy sauce kissed with white wine and lemons.

While this salmon pasta may seem fancy, trust me, it’s just a matter of cooking pasta, whipping up a simple cream sauce, and roasting a piece of salmon (or, if it’s a warm day, you can opt for instant pot salmon or grilled sockeye salmon if you’d rather not turn on the oven).

How to Choose the Best Salmon for Creamy Salmon Pasta:

For recipes like salmon sandwiches, I usually go for thick, individual fillets of salmon (about 4 separate center-cut fillets for 4 servings). However, when it comes to salmon and spinach pasta, I love the convenience of roasting a larger fillet, as I’m just going to break it into chunks anyway.

When you’re at the grocery store, butcher, or seafood market, request a salmon fillet with the skin on, weighing about 3/4 to 1 pound (or 2 fillets that add up to about that weight).

Recipe Video:

How to Make This Salmon Pasta Recipe:

So, you’ll be multitasking a bit here—cooking three components simultaneously (fish, pasta, sauce) in this salmon pasta recipe. But don’t fret, you’ve got this. I promise.

First things first, preheat your oven and set a large pot of water to boil on the stove.

Once both are good to go, pop your salmon into the oven. It’s a breeze—just place the fish on a pan, season with salt and pepper (or try my best rib rub recipe for an extra flavor boost), and let it roast in the oven (you can also start with my baked sockeye salmon recipe, which includes lemon and herbs, or even go for bourbon-glazed salmon for added flair). Set a timer and leave it to do its work.

Next, get your pasta cooking: add salt to the boiling water, toss in the linguine, and then forget about it (well, perhaps give it a stir or two if you remember).

Now, the “home chef” magic happens with your sauce (much like the sauce steals the show in my rigatoni Bolognese).

To kick off the creamy salmon pasta sauce, cook some garlic in butter, then add cream, white wine, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens into, well, a luscious sauce!

By now, your pasta should be ready. Drain it well, transfer it into the skillet with the sauce, add capers and spinach, and give it all a good stir until the spinach wilts.

Speaking of timing, your salmon should also be cooked to perfection by now! Remove it from the oven, break it into substantial chunks, and place them atop your pasta. Voilà!

You can use your preferred type of salmon for this creamy salmon pasta, whether that’s Atlantic salmon, sockeye salmon, or another variety you adore.

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces (225g) of pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
2. 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces or 170g each), skinless and boneless
3. Salt and black pepper to taste
4. 2 tablespoons of olive oil
5. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
6. 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream
7. 1/2 cup (120ml) of chicken or vegetable broth
8. 1 cup (240ml) of cherry tomatoes, halved
9. 2 cups (475ml) of baby spinach
10. 1/4 cup (60ml) of grated Parmesan cheese
11. Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

• Season the salmon fillets with a pinch of salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente.
• Go ahead and drain the cooked pasta, then set it aside for a moment.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

• In a big pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and easily flake with a fork.
• Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

• In that same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
• Stir together the heavy cream and chicken or vegetables soup.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

• Carefully fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach into the pasta mixture.
• Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.

Step 7: Flake the Salmon

• Use a fork to gently flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 8: Add Salmon and Parmesan

• Add the flaked salmon to the pasta and stir gently to combine.
• Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until the cheese melts, coating the pasta in the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Optionally, garnish your creamy salmon pasta with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve your creamy salmon pasta hot, savoring the delightful combination of creaminess and salmon goodness.

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to choose your preferred type of pasta, whether it’s fettuccine, penne, or another favorite.
• Customize the sauce by adding a touch of fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist.
• For additional vegetables, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or asparagus.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken or vegetable broth.
• Experiment with various herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your personal preference.

Nutrition Information:

Health Benefits:

• Protein Source: This dish is a great source of protein from the salmon, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
• Moderate Calories: With around 650 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying meal without excessive calories.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Healthy Fats: The dish contains healthy fats from olive oil and salmon, contributing to overall well-being.
• Calcium Boost: Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.
• Vegetables and Fiber: The inclusion of cherry tomatoes and spinach provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
• Customization: You can tailor this dish to your preferences by choosing whole-grain pasta for added fiber or adjusting the seasoning.

Enjoy your creamy salmon pasta, a delightful and nutritious meal!

Is this something that can be reheated or frozen?

While I’m all for recipes that make for fantastic leftovers or can be popped into the freezer for future meals (like my cottage cheese lasagna, vegetable lasagna, and Greek lasagna), I have to be honest—this salmon pasta recipe is at its absolute best when enjoyed right away.

You see, seafood has a tendency not to reheat gracefully, and creamy sauces, unfortunately, tend to lose their magic when subjected to a reheat. So, I’d advise against attempting to freeze this salmon pasta for another time. It’s one of those dishes that truly shines when savored fresh and hot.

What to offer with salmon and cream sauce pasta:

Considering I’ve already sneaked an entire box of spinach into this salmon pasta recipe, you might just find yourself thinking, “Who needs a side dish?” And you know what? I totally get it!

However, if you’re yearning for an extra dose of fiber-rich veggies to accompany your salmon pasta, I’ve got a couple of delicious options up my sleeve. How about some delectable balsamic green beans or perfectly roasted balsamic asparagus?

But if you’re leaning towards a fresh green salad to complement your pasta, I’d highly recommend a simple mix of greens tossed with a zesty citrus vinaigrette.

Now, for those of you who can’t fathom a pasta night without a sidekick of garlic bread, you can easily pop a batch of homemade garlic bread into the oven to serve alongside your scrumptious salmon pasta.

Enjoy!

You may also like…

1. Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
2. Meat Lasagna
3. Shrimp Alfredo
4. Spaghetti Carbonara
5. Creamy Tomato Pasta