Creamy Dill Salmon Pasta

Creamy Dill Salmon Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender salmon and rich pasta in a luscious sauce. The image showcases a beautifully plated bowl of pasta, topped with fresh dill and a hint of citrus. The warm, inviting colors of the dish make it look incredibly appetizing.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The creamy sauce is made with simple ingredients like cream, garlic, and dill, which complement the salmon perfectly. You can use any pasta you like, but fettuccine or linguine works wonderfully.

To make this dish, start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, sauté garlic in a pan, then add the salmon and cook until flaky. Mix in the cream and dill, letting it simmer until thickened. Combine everything together, and you have a meal that’s both easy and delicious!

Serve it with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is not just filling; it’s also a great way to enjoy the health benefits of salmon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Why This Dish Is Easy to Make

Despite its restaurant-worthy flavor, creamy dill salmon pasta is incredibly simple to prepare. The salmon can be baked, pan-seared, or even repurposed from leftovers. The sauce comes together in one pan with just a few ingredients—garlic, lemon, cream, and dill—while the pasta boils. Everything is tossed together at the end, making this a true one-pot wonder. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, requires no fancy equipment, and is easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. It’s also highly adaptable: swap in spinach, peas, or capers for extra texture and flavor, or use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.

A Cozy and Convenient Option for Meal Prep

Creamy dill salmon pasta is a fantastic option for meal prep. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta and keeps the salmon moist, even after reheating. You can portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious. It’s also a great way to use up cooked salmon from a previous meal, turning it into something entirely new and comforting.

Easy Creamy Dill Salmon Pasta

Recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt

  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach or peas

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

  2. Cook the salmon: Season salmon with salt and pepper.

    • Pan-seared: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook another 3–4 minutes until cooked through.

    • Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake salmon on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes. Flake into bite-sized pieces.

  3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in cream, lemon juice, zest, and dill. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

  4. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in Parmesan (if using), spinach or peas (if desired), and flaked salmon.

  5. Serve: Garnish with extra dill, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: ~480

  • Protein: 32g

  • Fat: 22g (mostly healthy fats from salmon and olive oil)

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugars: 2g

  • Sodium: ~350mg