Description
This best lemon pasta with salmon is a quick dinner idea that feels restaurant-quality but comes together easily at home. Tender, flaky salmon is paired with creamy, zesty lemon pasta for a perfect balance of richness and freshness. It’s an easy recipe ideal for busy weeknights, elegant dinner ideas, or when you want comforting food with a bright twist. Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, this dish is one of those food ideas you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets
12 oz pasta
1 lemon (zest and juice)
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Flake the salmon into chunks and gently fold into the pasta.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Do not overcook the salmon to keep it tender and flaky.
Add pasta water gradually to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: lemon pasta, salmon pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, creamy pasta