Description
30 Minute Creamy Salmon Pasta is a rich and satisfying dinner featuring flaky salmon and tender pasta tossed in a creamy herb sauce with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish blends comfort and elegance, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (about 12 oz total), skin removed
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Remove from the skillet and break into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Combine with Salmon and Herbs: Fold the flaked salmon and chopped parsley into the pasta and sauce mixture gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve the creamy salmon pasta immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Spinach or peas can be added for extra veggies and color.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest and smoothest sauce texture.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
