Description
This creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is a quick, elegant dinner! Tender salmon, zesty lemon, and fresh dill in a rich sauce—ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work best)
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but still slightly pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Gently fold in the salmon chunks, being careful not to break them apart too much. For extra richness, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted.
Remove from heat and garnish with additional fresh dill and lemon zest for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot, pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Use Fresh Dill for Best Flavor: Dried dill can be substituted (use 1 tsp), but fresh dill provides a brighter taste.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: It will continue cooking slightly when added back to the sauce, so aim for medium doneness when searing.
Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, replace half the cream with milk or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Make It Ahead: While best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAIN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580