Salmon Pasta is a tasty seafood dish that combines creamy sauce with the zesty flavor of pan-seared salmon. This meal uses delicate angel hair pasta and simple seasonings to create a light yet satisfying Italian-inspired treat. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner.
What You’ll Find On This Page
It's a versatile and kid-friendly choice that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or salads. Ideal for any occasion, from busy weeknights to special date nights, Salmon Pasta is not only easy to make but also wonderfully customizable to suit your taste.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For a delicious creamy Salmon Pasta, here are the ingredients you’ll need. You might be surprised to find that some of these are already in your kitchen. Let's see what you’ll need!
Ingredients for Seasoning Salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Choose skinless fillets, the main star of your dish, known for their rich, meaty flavor. Ensure they are fresh or properly thawed for the best results.
- Oil: Rub the salmon fillets with canola oil before cooking to help create a crisp exterior. You can also use olive oil or coconut oil for a subtle hint of additional flavor.
- Seasoning Mix: Combine garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and add a gentle warmth.
Ingredients for Pasta
- Pasta: Angel hair pasta is recommended for its delicate texture, but feel free to use any type that you prefer as a hearty base.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to sauté aromatics. It adds richness and helps release the flavors of garlic and onions.
- Aromatics: Garlic and onions are essential for building a flavorful foundation in the dish.
- Milk: Opt for full-fat milk to contribute to the sauce’s creamy texture. For extra richness, consider using heavy cream or half-and-half as alternatives.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth enhances the sauce’s depth. Alternatively, water can be used as a simple base that allows other flavors to stand out.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and black pepper powder add warmth and a subtle heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and parsley bring a burst of freshness and provide a vibrant color contrast.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a savory, cheesy depth to the pasta.
How to Make Salmon Pasta at Home?
Now let's turn these ingredients into a delicious one-pot Salmon Pasta. We'll season and pan-sear the salmon, create a creamy sauce base, and then cook the pasta to perfection. I've included instructions along with photos and a video to make this process easy. Let's begin!
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Creamy Salmon Pasta
Salmon Pasta is a rich and creamy Italian seafood dish that combines delicate angel hair pasta, milk, basic seasonings, and delicious pan-seared salmon. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Salmon Pasta is perfect for a quick yet satisfying lunch or dinner, whether on a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend.
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Ingredients
For Seasoning Salmon
- 1 lb Salmon Fillet, skinless
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder
- Salt, to salt
- 1 tsp Oil
For Frying Salmon
- 2 tbsp Oil
For Making Pasta
- 1 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 8 oz Angel Hair Pasta
- 3 tbsp Onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- ¼ tsp Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups Milk, full fat
- 1 cup Water, or chicken Broth
For Garnishing
- Cilantro
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Seasoning the Salmon
- In a bowl, combine garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix these thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend. Set this aside.
- Lay the salmon fillets on a clean plate. Drizzle cooking oil (such as olive or canola) over them, using your fingers or a brush to ensure the oil evenly coats each fillet.
- Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix generously over both sides of the salmon fillets, pressing slightly to ensure the seasonings adhere well. Your salmon is now seasoned and ready to be fried.
Pan Frying Salmon
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the specified amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the pan. Fry the fillets for about 1 to 2 minutes on one side, until they start to turn golden and form a slight crust.
- Carefully flip the fillets and continue to fry for another 2 minutes. To ensure even cooking, gently flip them on their sides briefly, using tongs or a spatula.
- Once the salmon is cooked through and has a uniform golden crust, remove the fillets from the pan. Let them cool slightly, then flake the salmon into medium-sized pieces with a fork, setting them aside for later use in the dish.
Making Salmon Pasta
- In the same pan, using the leftover oil, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in the chopped onions and continue sautéing until they are soft and translucent.
- Introduce Italian seasoning, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the full-fat milk and a water. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle boil to blend the flavors.
- Add the angel hair pasta, pressing it down into the simmering sauce so it cooks evenly.
- Cook the pasta until it becomes tender and the sauce thickens. Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally during the cooking process
- Fold in the pan-fried and flaked salmon along with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to break the salmon pieces, allowing them to warm through in the hot pasta, about 2 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness and remove from heat. Your deliciously creamy Salmon Pasta is now ready to savor!
Serving
- Enjoy this creamy Salmon Pasta as is or pair it with roasted green beans, roasted broccoli, or a salad of your choice for a complete lunch or dinner. For more pairing options, check out our serving suggestions section below.
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Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are my key tips to customize or enhance your Salmon Pasta just the way you like it:
- Creamy Texture: While I use full-fat milk in this recipe for a creamy texture, you can also try white sauces like béchamel, garlic parmesan, or Alfredo. Toss them with the cooked pasta for a luxurious creamy effect.
- Boosting Seafood Flavor: Use the oil from frying the salmon, combined with unsalted butter, when making the pasta. This enriches your dish with a distinctive seafood essence.
- Variety of Salmon Options: I pan-fried the salmon here, but feel free to use leftover grilled or baked salmon. This not only adds convenience but also introduces a variety of flavors.
- Tomato Flavor Option: For those who prefer a tomato twist, replace the creamy base with a classic pasta sauce or marinara for a fresh and vibrant alternative.
- Cheese for Richness: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving. This adds a deliciously cheesy richness that perfectly rounds off the flavors.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 748mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 634IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Looking for more flavors? Explore our collection of comforting pastas, rich Italian cuisine, and delicious salmon recipes with sides. Each recipe guarantees a wide range of flavors for your dinner table, perfect for enjoying with your family.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon Pasta is delicious on its own. However, here are some pairing suggestions to enhance its flavors and create a delightful meal experience:
- Green Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread on the side to sop up any remaining sauce and add a garlicky crunch.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy, vibrant side that complements the richness of the salmon pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair the salmon pasta with roasted vegetables like asparagus, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The caramelization of the vegetables adds a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the creamy richness of the Salmon Pasta beautifully.
Storage Suggestions
I always prefer to enjoy this Salmon Pasta fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers or need to prepare ahead, here’s how to store it:
- Refrigeration: Cool the pasta to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the container. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and consume within a day for optimal taste.
- Freezing: After allowing the pasta to cool completely, place it in a labeled, freezer-safe container or bag to avoid freezer burn. For best quality, use within one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Thaw the salmon pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat the salmon pasta on a microwave or stovetop until it heats through evenly. You can also slightly splash some milk to retain moisture. Also, when reheating, use gentle heat to keep the salmon tender and avoid drying it out or overcooking.
- General Tips: If possible, store the sauce separately from the pasta to better preserve the pasta's texture, especially if you're not making a one-pot meal.
Ginny Delapenha says
I can’t get my milk to make a creamy texture. Was I not supposed to use regular whole milk?
Sangeetha Vel says
Ginny - Regular whole milk will add thickness, so it works fine. Try cooking on low heat a bit longer, stirring gently. The real creaminess comes after the pasta is cooked and Parmesan is added at the end. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.