Creamy salmon pasta is made with tender, flaky salmon and cheese tortellini cooked in a rich white wine sauce enhanced with spinach, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This simple salmon pasta recipe is on the dinner table in just 30 minutes!
Want to try more delicious pasta recipes? Try Pasta al Salmone, Tortellini Prosciutto Pasta Salad, and Shrimp Pasta.
Indulge with a bowl of this easy creamy salmon pasta. Tender, buttery salmon chunks, and savory cheese tortellini swim in a luscious, velvety cream-based sauce. Throw in vegetables for a tasty, well-balanced meal that the whole family will devour!
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Why You'll Love This Salmon Pasta Recipe
Easy Weeknight Dinner! At the end of a long day, the last thing you want to worry about is dinner. This recipe is made with pantry staples for a quick 30-minute meal.
Versatile! There are so many salmon pasta recipes, each with their own twist. This one is mine but there are plenty of options to customize this dish to suit your personal taste.
Great for Any Occasion! Whether it's a date night or a casual family meal, pasta with salmon is the perfect dish.
Ingredients
The list of ingredients for salmon pasta includes easily accessible ingredients, many that you already have stocked in your kitchen.
- Salmon. The rich natural flavor of salmon pairs well with the cheesy flavors in this recipe. Use wild-caught salmon if possible.
- Salmon Seasoning. Generously season the filets with salmon rub seasoning and cajun seasoning.
- Cooking Oil. Use this to sear the salmon.
- Cheese Tortellini. I use tortellini for a more hearty salmon pasta. It has a slightly chewy texture and the filling is made with a mixture of cheese (usually ricotta, parmesan, and sometimes mozzarella) which gives the tortellini a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor.
- Garlic Cloves. Minced.
- White Wine. This adds complexity to the sauce. The acidity in the wine helps balance the richness of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste.
- Heavy Cream. This enriches the sauce.
- Parmesan. This adds a savory, nutty taste to the sauce.
- Spinach. This adds nutrients and color.
- Cherry Tomatoes. Tomatoes add a sweet pop of fresh flavor.
- Salt and Pepper. Add to taste for the cream sauce.
- Fresh Herbs. Parsley and dill add fresh herby flavor.
How to Make Salmon Pasta
Make restaurant-quality salmon pasta from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Season and Sear Salmon
Liberally season the salmon filet with salmon rub and cajun seasoning.
In a large pan, add 1 teaspoon of cooking oil. On medium to high heat, sear salmon on both sides until desired doneness. For medium to medium well, sear for 3-5 minutes on each side.
Cook Pasta
While the salmon cooks, prepare the tortellini (or pasta) being careful not to overcook. Set aside until later use. Once the salmon is cooked to the desired doneness, remove it from the pan and allow it to rest.
Prepare Cajun Salmon Pasta Sauce
In the same pan, on medium heat, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan and allow the wine to cook off/render for at least 60 seconds. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir to release any bits off of the pan.
Pour heavy cream, stir, and allow the cream to come to a slow boil. Once the cream becomes bubbly, stir in the parmesan cheese.
As the sauce thickens, add in the spinach and cherry tomatoes. Then season cream sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Salmon Pasta
Using a fork, break the salmon down into bite-sized pieces. Combine the salmon and cooked tortellini with the cream sauce.
Gently stir until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and dill. Finally, enjoy!
Recipe Video: How To Make Salmon Pasta
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh or frozen salmon. If using frozen, be sure to completely defrost it before preparing it for this recipe.
- Cook the pasta to al dente as it will continue to cook when added to the sauce. Boil it for 1 minute less than the package instructions.
- Reserve some pasta water. The starch enriches the sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Pasta. You can use whatever pasta you prefer. Try penne, linguine, spaghetti, or rigatoni.
- Spicy. For a kick of spice, add red pepper flakes to the dish.
- No Wine. Although the wine cooks down in the sauce, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
- Tomatoes. If you prefer savory to sweet, try sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.
- Other Additions. For even more flavor, consider adding fresh lemon juice or capers.
- Vegetables. Instead of spinach, you can add kale, broccoli, or asparagus.
Can I make Salmon Pasta in advance?
Yes. You can make it 1-2 days in advance. See below for storage and reheating instructions.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover salmon pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream if the sauce has gotten too thick.
FAQ
What goes good with salmon?
Salmon pairs exceptionally well with a variety of flavors. That's what makes salmon pasta so delicious! The rich, buttery taste of salmon complements savory cheeses, fresh herbs, and a plethora of veggies including asparagus, spinach, and tomatoes.
Can I reheat salmon pasta?
You can microwave salmon pasta but for the best results, reheat it for 5-7 minutes over low heat on the stovetop. The sauce will thicken once cold so add a splash of heavy cream if necessary.
Which is the best way to cook salmon?
The best cooking method for salmon depends on how you plan to serve it. For salmon pasta, it's best to pan-sear salmon. This adds a mouthwatering crust and keeps the inside tender and moist.
What pasta goes with salmon?
Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta types, but some popular choices include fettuccine, linguine, and penne. These pasta shapes have a good surface area to hold onto creamy sauces, making them perfect for rich salmon-based sauces.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS CREAMY SALMON PASTA!
If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Salmon
- 2 teaspoon Salmon Rub Seasoning
- 2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cooking Oil
- 20 oz Cheese Tortellini or favorite pasta shape
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- ⅓ cup White Wine
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- Salt and Pepper to taste for cream sauce
- 1 tablespoon Parsley roughly chopped
- 3 Sprigs Fresh Dill garnish
Instructions
- Liberally season the salmon filet with salmon rub and cajun seasoning.
- In a large pan, add 1 teaspoon of cooking oil.
- On medium to high heat, sear salmon on both sides until desired doneness. For medium to medium well, sear for 3-5 minutes on each side.
- While the salmon cooks, prepare the tortellini (or pasta) being careful not to overcook. Set aside until later use.
- Remove salmon from pan when done, allow it to rest.
- In the same pan, on medium heat, add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan and allow the wine to cook off/render for at least 60 seconds. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir to release any bits off of the pan.
- Pour heavy cream, stir and allow cream to come to a slow boil.
- Once the cream becomes bubbly, stir in the parmesan cheese.
- As the sauce thickens, add in the spinach and cherry tomatoes.
- Season cream sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a fork, break the salmon down into bite sized pieces.
- Combine the salmon, cooked tortellini with the cream sauce and gently stir until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and dill.
- Enjoy!
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