Salmon Pasta Recipe

Who says you can’t have a gourmet meal on a Monday night? This Salmon Pasta recipe is the kind of dinner that feels fancy yet is a total breeze to pull together—perfect for those moments when you want something special but your schedule is saying otherwise. It’s simple, speedy, and full of bright, vibrant flavors. Imagine perfectly cooked, flaky salmon mingling with sun-dried tomatoes and pasta, all wrapped in a lively lemon-butter sauce with a hint of garlic and a pop of basil. This is the sort of dish that rewards you with every bite, and yet demands very little effort. Let’s bring a touch of luxury to your busiest evenings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, powerhouse ingredients to make your Salmon Pasta shine:

• Salmon Fillet: The star protein—tender, flaky, and loaded with healthy fats. Don’t be afraid of wild-caught or farm-raised; use what’s freshest and available.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps everything sauté beautifully. Use the good stuff here for extra flavor.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: The double treatment—both juice for brightness and zest for fragrance. Essential for that wake-up-your-palate quality.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Foundation flavors. Kosher salt seasons the water and the fish, while pepper adds gentle heat.
• Penne Pasta: Holds onto the sauce perfectly. Any short pasta works, but penne’s just right for scooping up every tasty bit.
• Unsalted Butter: Makes the sauce silky. Butter + olive oil is the secret to a rich, balanced sautée.
• Shallot: More delicate than onion, shallots bring a soft sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Don’t hold back! Let it infuse the oil—this is flavor central.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a touch for gentle warmth; easy to adjust or skip if you don’t want heat.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce. No wine? Use a splash of broth with a squeeze of lemon.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy-sweet morsels that add instant character—make sure to drain them well.
• Fresh Basil: The bright, herbal finish every seafood pasta deserves. Add extra for garnish, too.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savoriness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Always grate fresh for the best melt and taste.

Tip: Always reserve a little pasta water before draining in case you want to loosen up your sauce!

Variations

One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability—never feel stuck if you’re missing an ingredient!

• Swap the Protein: Try this with roasted shrimp, leftover roast chicken, or even a plant-based “fish” fillet if you prefer.
• Use Different Pasta Shapes: Fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni are all excellent substitutes for penne.
• No White Wine? Chicken or vegetable broth with an extra splash of lemon works beautifully.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the parmesan or use your favorite grated plant-based cheese.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in a handful of baby spinach, arugula, or even some steamed broccoli for an extra nutrition boost.
• Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche for a richer sauce.

How to Make Salmon Pasta

Step 1: Bake the Salmon

First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Pop your salmon fillet in an oven-safe baking dish, pat it dry, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bake for 10–12 minutes—just until it gently flakes when prodded with a fork. Rest the salmon under a loose foil tent while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the penne and let it cook until perfectly al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well, but save a little starchy pasta water just in case.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter with the remaining olive oil over medium-low heat. Add finely chopped shallots and sauté for a few minutes, letting them get soft and aromatic. Stir in the minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown.

Step 4: Deglaze and Zest

Pour in the white wine, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice, scraping up any golden bits on the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble and thicken for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, then add in your sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, and a shower of parmesan. Fold it all gently until the pasta is cloaked in that glossy, fragrant sauce.

Step 6: Add the Salmon

Break your roasted salmon into generous bite-sized pieces with two forks—don’t shred it too fine! Fold the salmon into the pasta, taking care not to break it up too much.

Step 7: Serve

Dish out onto plates. Top each serving with extra basil, more parmesan, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you crave that extra kick.

How to Serve

Salmon Pasta is one of those rare dishes that doesn’t really need sides to feel complete, but a few simple pairings make it even better.

• Garnishes: Always finish with extra shredded parmesan, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and a few extra chili flakes for color and that little kick.
• Simple Salad: A crisp, green salad with a lemony vinaigrette strikes the perfect balance.
• Crusty Bread: Mopping up any leftover sauce with a chunk of good bread is highly recommended.

This dish is best enjoyed straight from the skillet, steaming and brimming with aromatic herbs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salmon Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the salmon may dry out a touch in the freezer. For the best results, cool it quickly, pack in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet or the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Stir gently to keep the salmon chunky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ready to treat yourself to a mouthwatering, heartwarming meal that feels way more luxurious than the clock suggests? Salmon Pasta brings together simple ingredients and smart techniques for results that truly deliver. Don’t be afraid to tweak, swap, or improvise—this recipe rewards creativity. Give it a try and let this quick, delicious dinner become your new weeknight favorite!

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