Go Back

Creamy Salmon Pasta

A comforting and elegant dish combining seared salmon, pasta, and a rich creamy Parmesan sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Base

  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne) Choose your favorite pasta shape.

For the Salmon & Sear

  • 2 fillets salmon Approximately 5–8 oz each.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the garlic and salmon.

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.

For Serving

  • Fresh parsley For garnish.

Instructions
 

Cooking Pasta

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Sauté Garlic

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook Salmon

  • Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove the salmon and flake it into pieces.

Make Cream Sauce

  • In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Combine Ingredients

  • Add the cooked pasta and flaked salmon back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired creaminess.

Finish and Serve

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a heavy skillet for even cooking. Ensure to not overcook the salmon. Adjust seasoning and sauce thickness as necessary.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Salmon Pasta, Pasta, salmon recipe, Weeknight Dinner