Aliquam in sagittis nulla. Curabitur euismod diam eget risus venenatis, sed dictum lectus bibendum. Nunc nunc nisi, hendrerit eget nisi id, rhoncus rutrum velit. Nunc vel mauris dolor. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Aliquam fringilla quis nisi eget imperdiet.
If you love rich, flavorful pasta dishes but want something quick and fuss-free, this salmon pasta is for you! Tender, flaky salmon is nestled in a silky parmesan cream sauce, brightened with fresh lemon juice and briny capers.
Save This Recipe!
Enter your email and we’ll send you this recipe so you can come back to it later! 😊
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Creamy, lemony, and rich, this pasta feels like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant.
- Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and clear steps make it easy, even if you’re new to cooking.
- Balanced Flavors – The flaky salmon, tangy capers, and creamy sauce are a perfect match.
- Customizable – Swap in smoked salmon, add spinach, or use your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
- 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh; spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best) – The base of the dish, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 salmon fillet (160 – 200 grams) – Adds protein and rich, flaky texture.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil – Helps crisp and enhance the salmon’s flavor.
- 40 grams unsalted butter – Creates a rich, silky sauce.
- ½ – 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
- 2 – 3 garlic cloves, finely diced – Infuses the sauce with a delicious aroma.
- ⅔ cup pasta water – Essential for emulsifying the sauce and achieving the perfect consistency.
- ½ cup crème fraîche – Adds light creaminess without being too heavy.
- 60 grams parmesan cheese, finely grated – Enhances the creamy texture with a savory, nutty flavor.
- 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (plus zest for garnish) – Provides a bright, tangy contrast to the rich sauce.
- 2 tablespoons capers – Give little bursts of briny, salty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chives, dill, or parsley), roughly chopped – Adds freshness and color.
- Salt to taste – Brings out all the flavors.
Easy, Healthy Recipes
Delivered to your inbox
Join over 5,000 food lovers
getting healthy, easy-to-make recipes weekly!
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Salmon
Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. If you have extra lemon juice, squeeze a little over the salmon for extra brightness. Baking time guide: Measure the thickest part of the fillet—cook for 5 minutes per 1.5 cm thickness. Example: A 3 cm-thick fillet needs 10 minutes. If unsure, bake for 10 – 12 minutes for an average-sized fillet. Remove from the oven and loosely cover with foil while preparing the pasta. Once slightly cooled, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This will help create the perfect creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once it starts to sizzle, add black pepper and diced garlic. Stir and cook for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to soften without burning. Lower the heat slightly and pour in ⅔ cup reserved pasta water, whisking to combine. Add crème fraîche, stirring until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Let it gently simmer for 1-2 minutes (do not let it boil). Stir in parmesan cheese in two additions, making sure it melts before adding more. Pour in lemon juice and whisk to combine.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta & Finish the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Let the pasta simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water. Stir in capers, distributing them evenly. Remove from heat and gently fold in the flaked salmon. Garnish with lemon zest, freshly chopped herbs, and an extra sprinkle of parmesan.
FAQs
Can I use smoked salmon instead of fresh?
Yes! If using smoked salmon, skip the roasting step. Instead, flake it and stir it into the pasta just before serving to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and salmon ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and flaked salmon.
