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salmon with pasta recipe
Isla Marie

Salmon With Pasta

This salmon with pasta recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for special occasions. Customize it with cream, garlic butter, or lemon for a meal that’s comforting, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 salmon fillets about 6 oz each, skin removed
  • 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
Optional Sauce & Add-Ins
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lemon zest
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Red pepper flakes to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the Salmon
  1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning. Let rest for a few minutes.
Cook the Salmon
  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until opaque and flaky. Remove and gently flake into large pieces.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add cream (or pasta water for a lighter version) and simmer briefly. Stir in Parmesan if using.
Combine Pasta and Salmon
  1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Fold in salmon pieces, spinach, and tomatoes. Adjust seasoning and sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
Finish & Serve
  1. Add lemon juice or zest, garnish with herbs, and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Do not overcook the salmon; remove as soon as it flakes easily.
  • Salt the pasta water well to enhance overall flavor.
  • Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
  • Add lemon at the end for brightness.
  • Store leftovers up to 2–3 days; reheat gently with a splash of liquid.