This Salmon and Pasta dish is my new favorite! The sauce is so out of this world good. Sophisticated, yet easy to make – it’s sure to help you charm that special someone or feed your tribe.

For more salmon recipes, try our Maple Mustard Salmon or Roasted Red Pepper Salmon.

salmon pasta in cream sauce. this recipe
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What You’ll Love About this Creamy Salmon and Pasta

Every week, my husband and I set aside one night just for us—our special date night. Lately, I’ve been using these evenings to perfect a salmon and pasta dish that’s all our own.

I’ve tried countless salmon pasta recipes but always felt something was missing—they were either too fussy or didn’t do justice to the salmon. I knew I could make it better.

With some simple gourmet ingredients and an easy approach, I’ve created the perfect meal that’s quick, delicious and feels like dining out but it’s actually easy enough to feed your family too!

Salmon Pasta Recipe Ingredients

Check the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full information on ingredients and quantities.

ingredients for salmon pasta.
  • Salmon: Its rich taste and buttery texture make it a fancy-meal favorite. 
  • Penne pasta: Perfectly captures our rich, creamy sauce in every bite.
  • Heavy cream: Key to crafting a luxuriously smooth sauce. Full-fat cream works best.
  • Chicken broth: To balance out the cream. 
  • Parmesan cheese: The magic touch that completes our irresistible sauce.
  • Fresh baby spinach: A nutritional boost that wilts seamlessly into the sauce.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Brings some color and a bit of zest to balance the dish.
  • Marinated artichokes: The gourmet twist makes this meal an even more sophisticated affair.
  • Aromatics: Garlic cloves, shallot, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest– the finishing touches.

How to Make Salmon Pasta

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has more detailed instructions.

cooked pasta in pot.

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta as per package instructions.

baked salmon on baking sheet.

Step 2: Place the salmon filet on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 12-15 minutes at 425F.

cooked garlic in pan.

Step 3: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Then, sauté the garlic and shallots until softened.

cream with red pepper in saute pan.

Step 4: Add the cream, broth, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.

spinach in cream sauce.

Step 5: Gradually stir in the Parmesan, then fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, spinach, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

salmon with cooked pasta and cream sauce.

Step 6: Stir in cooked pasta and salmon.

Salmon Pasta Recipe Variations

Here are some ideas to change up this versatile recipe:

  • Kid-friendly: If you have picky kids, feel free to add in veggies that they enjoy eating.
  • Different vegetables: Try adding some roasted broccoli and bell peppers. Mushrooms also work well. 
  • Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses, like Asiago or Pecorino, instead of Parmesan.
  • More fiber: Using whole-wheat pasta is a great way of increasing your fiber intake.

Tips for Making Salmon with Pasta

  • Pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water – a little dash makes our sauce beautifully silky and helps thicken it.
  • Lemon zest: Don’t skip the lemon zest! The acidity helps balance the richness of the cream sauce. You can even add a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the sauce.
  • Season well: It’s best to season with a little salt and pepper at every stage – it really helps to bring out the flavors of the salmon and other ingredients. Remember to salt the water for the pasta too.

What to Serve with Creamy Salmon Pasta

How to Store Pasta with Salmon

If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for 2-3 days.

Can Salmon Pasta be Frozen?

Freezing salmon pasta is kind of possible, but not recommended. The dish’s creamy sauce is prone to splitting, and the delicate salmon might lose its nice texture. 

If you really need to freeze your salmon pasta, use a freezer-safe container and eat it within 2 months.

How to Reheat Salmon with Pasta

You’ll have to be gentle when reheating your salmon pasta. If frozen, you should thaw it in the fridge – ideally overnight.

You then need to reheat it gently, so the sauce doesn’t split. Slowly warm on the stove on medium-low, while occasionally stirring. Add a little cream or broth to thin the sauce if needed.

You can also reheat the dish in the microwave – just use 50% power and stir halfway through. Make sure it’s piping hot throughout before serving.

salmon pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

You May Also Like

Salmon Lettuce Wraps

Salmon Avocado Salad

Artichoke and Spinach Roasted Salmon

Balsamic Salmon Recipe

If you try pasta with salmon, please leave a rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

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salmon pasta in cream sauce.

Pasta with Salmon

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  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
Print Recipe

Description

This Salmon and Pasta dish is my new favorite! The sauce is so out of this world good. Sophisticated, yet easy to make – it’s sure to help you charm that special someone or feed your tribe.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb. salmon fillet
  • Olive oil
  • 12 oz. penne pasta
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cut chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 12 oz. jar marinated artichokes, drained & roughly chopped
  • 5 oz. fresh baby spinach
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon on the prepared baking dish and rub with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is almost opaque. Make sure not to overcook it.

  2. Cook penne in salted water according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

  3. Heat butter in a large deep saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and softened. Do not let the garlic and shallots brown.

  4. Add cream, broth, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to medium-low. The mixture will be very liquidy.

  5. Add parmesan cheese ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Fold in sundried tomatoes, artichokes, spinach, and lemon zest—season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until spinach is just wilted and sauce thickened.

  6. Stir in cooked pasta. If desired, add some of the reserved pasta water if you like a looser sauce. Keep in mind the pasta will absorb a lot of the sauce. Taste for salt and pepper, and add more if needed.

  7. Using a fork or a spatula, break the salmon into large chunks and gently fold into the paste. Serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Parmean cheese: Buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself. It will melt into the sauce without any lumps.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days. This pasta dish does not freeze well.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6
  • Calories: 571
  • Sugar: 3.1 g
  • Sodium: 465.3 mg
  • Fat: 27.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49.4 g
  • Protein: 32.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 97.8 mg