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Creamy Salmon Pasta Creamy pasta with salmon pieces and capers, garnished with chopped chives, served on a white plate with the pasta pan in the background.

Creamy Salmon Pasta

A luscious Creamy Salmon Pasta in a tangy parmesan cream sauce that brightens every bite.
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Course: Main Course, pasta dish
Cuisine: Italian, Seafood
Keyword: creamy pasta, lemon pasta, salmon pasta, weeknight dinner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 680kcal
Cost: $12

Ingredients

  • 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta for softer texture
  • 1 salmon fillet ~180-200 grams (skin on or off as preferred)
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil for brushing salmon
  • 40 grams unsalted butter for sauce
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 - 3 garlic cloves finely minced (adjust to taste)
  • ⅔ cup reserved pasta water warm, from cooking pasta
  • ½ cup crème fraîche or heavy cream
  • 60 grams parmesan cheese finely grated (preferably aged)
  • 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • Zest of ½ lemon for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons capers rinsed if salted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs roughly chopped (chives, dill, or parsley)
  • Salt to taste for pasta water and seasoning

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  • Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and add a little lemon juice.
    Fresh salmon fillet seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil placed on parchment paper before cooking.
  • Bake the salmon for 10 minutes, or until opaque and flaky. If fillet is thicker than 2.5 cm, increase time by 2–3 minutes.
  • Cover loosely with foil and let the salmon rest while you prepare the sauce.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to sizzle.
  • Add the minced garlic and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
    "Minced garlic sautéing in melted butter in a pan with a red spatula."
  • Lower heat slightly and whisk in ⅔ cup of reserved pasta water.
  • Stir in the crème fraîche and gently simmer for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly.
  • Gradually add the parmesan in two portions, allowing each to melt completely before adding the next.
    "Grated cheese being whisked into a creamy sauce in a saucepan."
  • Whisk in the lemon juice quickly, keeping the sauce at a gentle simmer.
  • Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss well. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly, adding extra pasta water if needed.
  • Fold in the capers and herbs.
  • Serve the pasta with flaked salmon on top and garnish with lemon zest.

Notes

Brighten your weeknight with this creamy salmon pasta – tangy lemon, tender salmon, and silky parmesan cream make every forkful feel special.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 680kcal (34%) | Carbohydrates: 55g (18%) | Protein: 38g (76%) | Fat: 35g (54%) | Saturated Fat: 18g (113%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 125mg (42%) | Sodium: 540mg (23%) | Potassium: 700mg (20%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 600IU (12%) | Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) | Calcium: 180mg (18%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
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