There’s something magical about a dish that’s both effortless and impressive at the same time. That’s exactly what this Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta is! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a chef without all the stress of complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something elegant enough to serve for a special occasion, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. The best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes!
Let’s dive into the details and get started on this rich, creamy, and totally irresistible salmon pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Rich & Creamy – A luscious sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan.
- Packed with Flavor – Buttery salmon, aromatic onion, and fresh parsley create a perfect combination.
- One-Pan Friendly – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Versatile – Works great with fresh or frozen salmon and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water (essential for flavor!)
For the Salmon & Sauce:
- 1 lb salmon (skinless, boneless)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
This simple lineup of ingredients creates a dish that is both decadent and satisfying. Now, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first – we need to cook our penne pasta to perfection.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside while we prepare the sauce.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rinse the pasta after draining! The starchy surface helps the creamy sauce cling to the noodles beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
A great pasta dish always starts with a flavorful base, and this one is no exception.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the onion becomes soft and translucent, you’re ready to move on.
💡 Why It Matters: Cooking the onion first allows it to release its natural sweetness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
This step is where the magic really starts to happen! The salmon is the star of this dish, and cooking it correctly makes all the difference.
- Add the salmon fillet directly into the skillet.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to gently break it into bite-sized flakes as it cooks.
- Once the salmon is fully cooked and opaque, it’s time to move on to the creamy sauce.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.
Bringing It All Together – The Creamy Sauce & Finishing Touches
Now that we have our perfectly cooked pasta and flaky, tender salmon, it’s time to make the rich, creamy sauce that ties this dish together. This step is where all the flavors melt into a luscious, velvety coating for our pasta.
Let’s get right into it!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
This sauce is simple yet luxurious, with a rich base of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese that creates the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly salty goodness.
1️⃣ Pour in the heavy cream directly into the skillet with the salmon and onion.
2️⃣ Season with salt and black pepper, stirring well to combine everything.
3️⃣ Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes.
💡 Pro Tip: Turn off the heat as soon as the sauce starts to thicken. Overcooking can make the cream separate and create a grainy texture instead of a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now, it’s time for the grand finale – mixing everything together for the ultimate creamy salmon pasta experience!
1️⃣ Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and salmon.
2️⃣ Sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, stirring everything gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
3️⃣ Toss in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
💡 Why This Step Is Key: The heat from the skillet helps the cheese melt perfectly into the sauce, creating a silky, rich texture that clings to every bite of pasta.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Now that everything is beautifully combined, it’s time for the final touches!
✔ Sprinkle additional Parmigiano Reggiano on top for extra cheesiness.
✔ Garnish with more fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
✔ Serve warm and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish at home!
💡 Serving Suggestion: Pair this creamy salmon pasta with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) for a balanced and elegant meal.
Pro Tips & Variations
🔹 Want a Lighter Version? Substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for heavy cream to reduce the richness.
🔹 Prefer a Garlicky Kick? Add 2 cloves of minced garlic while sautéing the onions for extra depth of flavor.
🔹 Try a Different Pasta Shape! While penne is perfect, you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni for a different texture.
🔹 Add Some Veggies! Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to make the dish even more hearty.
🔹 Want a Spicy Kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
FAQs & Final Thoughts on Creamy Salmon Pasta
Now that we’ve covered all the steps to making this delicious and creamy salmon pasta, let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re wondering about ingredient swaps, storage tips, or how to make this dish even better, I’ve got you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?
Yes! If you’re short on time or don’t have fresh salmon on hand, canned salmon works great. Just be sure to drain it well and remove any bones or skin before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the creamy sauce tends to thicken as it cools. However, if you want to make it ahead, you can prepare the sauce and salmon separately, then combine everything with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.
4. What other types of fish can I use instead of salmon?
If you’re not a fan of salmon, you can swap it out for trout, shrimp, or even a flaky white fish like cod or halibut. They all work well with the creamy sauce!
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the labels on ingredients like cheese and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
6. What wine pairs best with creamy salmon pasta?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this dish. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can also work well.
7. Can I add more protein to this dish?
Definitely! If you want to make it even more protein-packed, you can add shrimp, chicken, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions
This Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish—but comes together in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, it’s a foolproof recipe that never fails to satisfy.
Best Ways to Serve This Dish:
✔ Pair it with a fresh green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
✔ Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
✔ Enjoy with a glass of white wine for an elevated dining experience.
Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This simple and elegant Creamy Salmon Pasta is a quick and filling dinner that your family will love! With tender salmon, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
For the salmon and sauce:
- 1 lb salmon (skinless, boneless)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the onion:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
3️⃣ Cook the salmon:
Add the salmon to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into flakes with a spatula as it cooks.
4️⃣ Make the sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, add salt and pepper, and stir well. Turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
5️⃣ Combine everything:
Add the cooked pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
6️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with additional cheese and parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish.
- You can substitute fresh salmon with canned salmon for a quicker version.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes before adding the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
