Easy Salmon Pasta Recipe
Creamy lemon-garlic salmon pasta that comes together fast for a cozy weeknight dinner. Bright, rich, and satisfying.
Pin This Recipe For Later!
Share The Yum On Facebook
Print
Servings:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz dry pasta, like penne or spaghetti use your favorite shape
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed pat dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2.5 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional heat
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 cup baby spinach loosely packed
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water and drain.
- Season salmon with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer salmon to a plate and flake into large chunks. Reduce heat to medium.
- Melt butter in the same pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and a splash of the pasta water. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth and glossy.
- Add spinach to the sauce and wilt. Toss in drained pasta and most of the parsley, loosening with more pasta water as needed.
- Gently fold in flaked salmon. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with remaining parsley.
Notes
Variation: Stir in 1 cup thawed peas or sautéed mushrooms with the spinach. For a lighter sauce, swap half the cream for half-and-half. Leftovers keep 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Salmon Pasta Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.