Indulge in this luxurious yet simple pasta dish that combines the richness of fresh salmon with a bright, creamy lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Pasta and Salmon
- 400g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle)
- 400g fresh salmon (skinless and boneless)
- 200ml heavy cream (or light cream)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/2 onion or 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Prep: 5 minutes
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
- Cook pasta according to package instructions
- Prepare Salmon
- Cut salmon into 2-3 cm chunks
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat
- Sauté onion or shallot for 2 minutes until translucent
- Cook Salmon
- Add salmon chunks to the pan
- Cook 2-3 minutes, gently turning to brown all sides
- Create Sauce
- Pour in cream
- Add lemon juice
- Season with salt and pepper
- Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens
- Combine and Serve
- Drain pasta
- Gently fold pasta into salmon sauce
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor
- Add lemon zest for extra citrus punch
- Can substitute smoked salmon (reduce salt)
- Pair with green salad or grilled vegetables
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives:
- Use smoked salmon
- Try canned salmon
- Substitute with shrimp or white fish
- Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta
- Low-carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Best served immediately, but can be stored for 2 days.
How do I prevent salmon from overcooking?
Cook just until it turns opaque and flakes easily.
What wine pairs well?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
How to reheat leftovers?
Warm gently in pan, add splash of cream if sauce thickens.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate in airtight container
- Consume within 2 days
- Reheat gently
- Add cream or water if sauce becomes too thick
- Not recommended for freezing
Bon appétit and enjoy your delicious salmon pasta!