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.
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.
Notes
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.