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Home » Recipes » Pasta

Salmon Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce

Published: Sep 28, 2022 · Modified: Oct 17, 2022 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This salmon pasta recipe features chunks of tender pan-seared salmon with linguine pasta tossed in a delicious lemon cream sauce. And at just 30 minutes from start to finish, it's a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

A plate of creamy salmon linguine  shown on a table with a loaf crusty bread and a large serving platter of pasta.
Jump to:
  • Why this Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • What to Serve with Salmon Pasta
  • Recipe Variations
  • Recipe Tips and FAQs
  • More Salmon Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • More Pasta Recipes

Why this Recipe Works

This creamy salmon pasta recipe is a great option when you want a quick and easy weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor. It tastes like a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes!

The sauce is rich and creamy and is similar to salmon alfredo pasta, but the addition of chicken broth and lemon juice helps balance out the flavor with a punch of acidity. And the lemon is a classic and familiar flavor pairing with the salmon.

For other weeknight pasta ideas check out my Pasta Alla Vodka, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, and my Cajun Shrimp Pasta!

Ingredient Notes

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

  • Salmon - I used skin-on Atlantic salmon for this recipe. This variety is rich and flavorful and has a higher fat content, which keeps the salmon moist and tender. King Salmon is another good choice. You can also use skinless salmon if you prefer.
  • Heavy Cream - The cream adds richness to the sauce and makes it ultra creamy. The high-fat content also helps prevent curdling, which can occur when combining lower-fat dairy products and lemon juice.
  • Lemon - The freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright acidity to the sauce which helps to balance the richness of the cream and the salmon.
  • Parmesan Cheese - I recommend grating your own parmesan cheese from a block for this creamy salmon pasta sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-clumping agents which can lead to a grainy texture in your sauce.
The ingredients for the salmon pasta recipe are shown arranged on a countertop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions. Then drain and set aside.
  2. Set a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Season the salmon with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, then add to the pan skin side up. Sear for 5 minutes until well browned. Then flip and continue cooking for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through. Remove the salmon and set it aside.
A salmon filet cooking in a skillet with the skin facing up.
A salmon filet shown in a skillet after being cooked with the browned flesh face up.
  1. Melt two tablespoons of butter in the pan then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Add the cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice then stir together and bring to a low simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of chopped parsley. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened enough to coat a spoon. Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste.
Minced garlic being cooked in melted butter.
Cream and butter shown cooking in a large saucepan.
  1. Remove from the heat, then add the pasta and stir until well-coated. Using two forks, break up the salmon and discard the skin.
Pasta added to the cream sauce in a large saucepan.
Salmon shown on a plate after being broken into chunks.
  1. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl, platter, or individual plates. Top the pasta with the salmon chunks, additional cheese, and parsley, then serve.
A large serving platter of linguine pasta topped with pan-seared salmon and garnished with lemon slices.

What to Serve with Salmon Pasta

This dish is rich and filling and doesn't require a lot of side dishes, but you can't go wrong with a side of crusty bread and a side salad. I recommend my apple walnut salad or my shaved brussels sprouts and kale salad. Both are slightly sweet and tangy, which will balance the richness of the pasta.

Recipe Variations

This creamy salmon pasta can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Here are a few simple variations to try:

  • Cajun - To add a spicy Cajun kick, season the salmon with Cajun season to make blackened salmon. Then stir in 2-3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning with the sauce.
  • Tuscan - You can easily change this recipe to a Tuscan version. When making the sauce, add chopped sundried tomatoes and baby spinach when you add the cheese. Cook until the spinach wilts then continue as directed. For a similar dish try my Tuscan Chicken Pasta!
  • Veggie Additions - Try adding veggies like spinach, peas, or broccoli to this pasta for a little added nutrition.
  • Other Proteins - This creamy lemon pasta sauce is also delicious with chicken or shrimp if you're not a salmon fan.
A table setting showing a plate of salmon pasta served with a loaf crusty bread beside a large serving platter of pasta.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

How to store leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This salmon pasta does not freeze well.

How to reheat creamy pasta

Transfer the leftover pasta to a baking dish and add a splash of cream (1-2 Tbsp), then reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Smaller portions can be reheated in the microwave.

Can I substitute half and half or milk for the cream?

I do not recommend substituting the cream with a lower fat option. The higher fat content in the heavy cream will reduce the chance of curdling which can be caused by the acidic lemon juice.

Can I use wine in the sauce?

You can replace half of the chicken broth with a dry white wine if you prefer.

Can I use another type of pasta?

I do recommend a long noodle pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccini, but almost any style of pasta will work in this recipe.

More Salmon Recipes

  • Baked Lemon Dill Salmon
  • Cedar Plank Salmon with Honey Bourbon Glaze
  • Soy Ginger Glazed Salmon with Broccoli
  • Salmon Cakes

If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a RATING or COMMENT below. I would love to hear from you!!! And FOLLOW me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Salmon Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce

This salmon pasta recipe features chunks of tender pan-seared salmon with linguine pasta tossed in a delicious lemon cream sauce. And at just 30 minutes from start to finish, it's a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.
Author: Scott
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 635kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 pound salmon filet
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, divided
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice, half a lemon
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for garnish
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions. Then drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks set a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Season the salmon with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, then add to the pan skin side up. Sear for 5 minutes until well browned. Then flip and continue cooking for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through. Remove the salmon and set it aside.
  • Melt two tablespoons of butter in the pan then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Add the cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice then stir together and bring to a low simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of chopped parsley. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened enough to coat a spoon. Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from the heat, then add the pasta and stir until well-coated. Using two forks, break up the salmon into chunks and discard the skin.
  • Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl, platter, or individual plates. Top the pasta with the salmon, additional cheese, and chopped parsley, then serve.

Notes

Salmon
I recommend using Atlantic or King salmon in this dish. The higher fat content will help ensure a moist and tender result over leaner varieties like Sockeye salmon.
You can bake the salmon at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of pan searing if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 635kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 43gFat: 38gSodium: 1200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating above and mention @disheswithdad or tag #disheswithdad on social media!

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