Name: Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray; 2 salmon fillets (about 3/4 pound — 1 large fillet is also fine); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided); 12 ounces linguine; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1 box baby spinach (5 ounces); 2 tablespoons capers; Lemon wedges (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a dish that feels luxurious yet comes together with ease, this Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, velvety, and bursting with fresh flavors, the creamy sauce wraps around tender linguine and savory salmon pieces, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers comfort with a sophisticated twist that always impresses at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver rectangular tray with a starburst pattern holds a single piece of cooked salmon, light pink with white streaks and black pepper specks, positioned slightly off-center. To the right of the salmon are two lemon wedges layered with pale yellow flesh and white rind, resting beside the fish. The tray sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the warm tones of the salmon and lemon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—whether it’s the flaky salmon that adds hearty protein, the fresh baby spinach for a vibrant pop of green, or the luscious heavy cream that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.

Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your salmon bakes evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2 salmon fillets (about 3/4 pound): The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and a tender, flaky texture.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Enhances all the flavors subtly, used both on the salmon and in the sauce for balance.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided): Adds gentle heat and depth without overpowering the delicate salmon.
12 ounces linguine: The perfect pasta choice for holding onto that creamy sauce in every bite.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce and complements the salmon beautifully.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and savory richness.
1 1/4 cups heavy cream: The ingredient that makes the sauce truly creamy and luscious.
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Lightens the cream just enough while adding nuanced flavor.
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest: Brings bright, fresh citrus zing to cut through the richness.
1 box baby spinach (5 ounces): Adds vibrant color, a nutritional boost, and mild earthy notes.
2 tablespoons capers: Provide little bursts of briny tang that elevate the dish’s complexity.
Lemon wedges (optional): Perfect for a final squeeze of vivid citrus right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a rimmed baking pan lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin side down, sprinkling them with half the salt and pepper. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the salmon turns almost opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This gentle baking ensures the fish remains juicy and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente—this gives the pasta just the right amount of bite to hold up under the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stir in the lemon zest along with the remaining salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a silky, pourable consistency.

Step 4: Combine Spinach, Capers, and Pasta

Turn the heat down to low and stir the baby spinach and capers into the sauce. Drain the linguine, add it directly to the skillet, and toss gently over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts just perfectly. This step melds the flavors and creates that luscious texture you’re after in a Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe.

Step 5: Add Flaked Salmon and Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and carefully separate the skin from the flesh using a spatula. Discard the skin and break the salmon into large chunks. Gently fold the salmon into the pasta, allowing the fish to mingle with the sauce without breaking apart too finely. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an optional burst of fresh citrus brightening every bite.

How to Serve Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

The image shows a bowl of creamy pasta with four pink salmon pieces laid on top, mixed with wilted dark green spinach and light cream sauce. The pasta strands are pale yellow and thick, curling softly under the salmon and spinach. Two thin, yellow lemon slices are placed on the edge of the bowl, which is white and round. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, with some pasta twirled around its tines. In the background, two more bowls with the same dish show similar layers but are slightly blurred. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean look to the warm colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving wakes up the flavors and adds a delightful zing. You can also sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s visual appeal and add extra layers of taste. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top makes each forkful even more decadent.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed green beans also complement the textures perfectly, adding freshness and a mild crunch. For a more filling meal, warm crusty bread is an excellent choice to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, consider plating the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant spinach, salmon chunks, and capers. A simple wedge of lemon on the side adds charm and practicality. You can also serve it in individual glass jars for a rustic, casual touch that impresses guests with style and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover creamy salmon pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 2 days, but be sure to consume it promptly to enjoy the sauce and salmon at their best.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing since the cream sauce and pasta texture can suffer, often becoming watery or grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, do so without the salmon, adding cooked fish fresh when reheating for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can harden the salmon and separate the sauce. Reheat just until warmed through to keep the flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne can be delicious alternatives. Just adjust cooking time as needed and enjoy your twist on the Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe.

Is it okay to substitute light cream or milk?

Using light cream or milk will make the sauce less rich and may affect its thickness. Heavy cream is recommended to achieve that signature creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting and indulgent.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon should be just opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Baking it at 350°F for 16 to 18 minutes usually hits the mark. Overcooking can make it dry, so keep a close eye on it.

Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms would all be lovely additions that complement the flavors. Just add them during the sauce-simmering step to integrate them well.

What should I do if my sauce becomes too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of broth or cream to loosen it up. The goal is a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta without feeling heavy or gluey.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress with minimal fuss. It has all the warmth of comfort food with a touch of elegance that feels special every time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.