If you’re in the mood for a dish that effortlessly combines elegance with comforting flavors, Salmon Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Think fork-tender salmon gently tossed with silky pasta in a creamy, lemon-kissed sauce, all brightened up with spinach and just the right amount of Parmesan. Whether you want a weeknight dinner the whole family will love or a special meal for friends, this recipe brings restaurant-level results straight to your own kitchen — no reservations needed! Get ready for a meal that’s both sophisticated and incredibly achievable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salmon Pasta is that every ingredient pulls its weight: nothing’s wasted, and each element layers on flavor or texture. Simple pantry staples like butter, garlic, and Parmesan do the heavy lifting, while fresh salmon and spinach provide color and nourishment.

Pasta (12 ounces): Fettuccine or penne are perfect here, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love—each one captures the sauce a little differently.
Salmon fillet (1 pound, skinless): The fresh, buttery taste of salmon is the star; skinless fillets make prep so easy.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds flavor and helps the salmon sear to golden perfection.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce richness and silkiness—classic in Italian-inspired pastas.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic depth.
Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what creates that luscious, indulgent sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): The salty, nutty bite is essential for balance and umami.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds unexpected zing and brightens the entire dish.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): A little tartness keeps the creamy sauce from feeling heavy.
Baby spinach (2 cups): Wilts down beautifully, adding color and an extra burst of freshness.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Don’t forget to taste and adjust for perfect seasoning at the end!
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A handful of chopped parsley brings herbal freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Salmon Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your favorite pasta shape according to the package instructions until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of pasta water before draining—it can make all the difference when you get to the creamy finishing touches!

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

While the pasta cooks, season your salmon fillet generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil and add the salmon. Sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through but still moist. Remove the fillet onto a plate, let it rest for a minute, then flake into bite-sized pieces—you want tender chunks, not tiny shreds.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t wash away those flavorful bits!), lower the heat and toss in the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir, making sure to scrape up any salmon remnants for extra flavor. When the cream starts to simmer, whisk in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the sauce becomes smooth and appealingly creamy.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Pasta

Stir in the baby spinach; it will wilt impressively quickly in the warm cream sauce. Next, add the cooked pasta right into the pan, tossing gently so each strand or tube gets beautifully coated. If the sauce seems thick, start with a splash or two of your reserved pasta water—this helps everything bind together and gives it that gorgeously glossy finish.

Step 5: Combine with Salmon and Finish

Finally, carefully fold in the flaked salmon. You want to maintain those generous salmon pieces, so use a gentle hand. Once it’s combined, taste and add an extra sprinkle of salt or grinding of pepper if needed. Serve your Salmon Pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley for an extra hit of freshness.

How to Serve Salmon Pasta

Garnishes

No plate of Salmon Pasta is complete without that final flourish—think a dusting of fresh parsley, maybe a little extra Parmesan, or a delicate curl of lemon zest. If you love a little heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that balances the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and satisfying, so lighter sides shine alongside it. I love serving a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus spears. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for swiping up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, twirl the pasta into individual nests on each plate and gently top with salmon pieces and a vibrant lemon wedge. Or, if you’re hosting a casual family dinner, serve it family-style in a big, beautiful bowl to let your guests help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salmon Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, store the pasta and salmon separately from any extra sauce to maintain the best texture, then combine when reheating.

Freezing

While creamy pastas generally don’t freeze quite as perfectly as tomato-based ones, you can freeze this recipe if you have leftovers. Let it cool completely, then pack in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. The texture may be slightly different upon thawing, but the flavor will still be mouthwatering!

Reheating

To bring Salmon Pasta back to life, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of extra cream or reserved pasta water. Stir softly—especially if the salmon is in there—to keep the fish from breaking apart. Microwave reheating works too, just keep it at 50% power for the best results and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use canned or smoked salmon instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned salmon offers great convenience and a more pronounced flavor. Smoked salmon brings a luxurious, smoky depth—just add it at the very end, since it doesn’t need to be cooked through.

What pasta shape works best for Salmon Pasta?

Fettuccine and penne are both excellent because they hold onto the creamy sauce, but honestly, any pasta will be delicious. Spirals and shells are great for trapping bits of salmon and sauce too.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

If you’d prefer a lighter version, swap half of the heavy cream for whole milk, or use half-and-half. You’ll still get creaminess, just with a bit less richness. Don’t skip the lemon—it always keeps things bright and fresh!

Can I make Salmon Pasta ahead of time for guests?

Definitely! Prep the sauce and flake the salmon a few hours in advance, cooking the pasta just before serving. Toss everything together last-minute for a dish that tastes freshly made but takes only minutes to assemble.

Are there other veggies I can add?

Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or even cherry tomatoes for extra bursts of color and sweetness. Salmon Pasta is incredibly versatile—don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Pasta has everything I crave in a meal: it’s simple, reliably impressive, and always a source of comfort. If you’re looking for a recipe that tastes like it came out of an Italian kitchen, but feels totally doable on any given night, give this one a try. You’re in for a treat—and I’m sure you’ll soon be sharing it with all your friends, too!

Salmon Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy and flavorful, this Salmon Pasta recipe is a delightful main course that combines perfectly cooked salmon with a luscious lemon cream sauce, served over your favorite pasta. It’s an easy and elegant dish that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)

Salmon:

1 pound salmon fillet, skinless

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Flake into pieces and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Stir until smooth. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Combine and Serve: Toss pasta in the sauce, adding reserved water as needed. Gently fold in salmon. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.