Description
This easy creamy salmon pasta is rich, velvety, and comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, it’s packed with omega-3-rich salmon, fresh herbs, and a luscious cream sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (or fettuccine, linguine, or gluten-free pasta)
- Water (for boiling)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Salmon and Sauce
- 1 lb skinless, boneless salmon (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pro Tip: Always use fresh parsley and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor!
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, add penne pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside (save some pasta water for later).
- Sauté the Onion: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook the onion for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Cook the Salmon: Add the salmon fillet to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, gently breaking it into flakes. Set the salmon aside once cooked.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add heavy cream to the skillet with the onions, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and fold in the cooked salmon.
- Garnish & Serve: Plate your pasta, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve warm.
Notes
-
- Use Starchy Pasta Water: For extra creamy sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Don’t Overheat the Cream: Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine hold the sauce well.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon: Both work great, as long as the frozen salmon is properly thawed.
- Add Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end cuts through the richness of the cream.
Variations to Try
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Garlic Lovers: Toss in minced garlic with the onion for more depth.
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
- Seafood Combo: Add shrimp, scallops, or crab meat for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a green salad and lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements this dish beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg