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Ultimate Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe: Easy One-Pot Dinner in 30 Minutes

This creamy salmon pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. Made with tender salmon fillets simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen without the fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 1 lb total), skin removed and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon chunks with salt and pepper, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned but not cooked through. Remove salmon and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Add the partially cooked salmon back to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Gently toss to coat everything in the cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Stir in fresh lemon juice, dill, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until salmon is cooked through.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Choose fresh salmon for best results. Don't overcook the salmon - remove it when still slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency. Herb variations: try basil, parsley, or chives instead of dill.