This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is a fresh, creamy, and zesty dish packed with flaky salmon, aromatic dill, and a bright lemony sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, this pasta is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Light Yet Creamy – The perfect balance of richness and freshness.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
✔ Healthy & Flavorful – Salmon is loaded with omega-3s, and fresh herbs add a delicious touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for sauce consistency)
How to Make It:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season salmon with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Once slightly cooled, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Dill Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining salt and black pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with extra fresh dill and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon on the side.
Tips for Success:
✔ Use Fresh Dill – It adds the best flavor compared to dried dill.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Salmon – It should be tender and flaky, not dry.
✔ Add Extra Veggies – Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions.
✔ Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With It:
Simple Green Salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic Bread for extra indulgence
A Glass of White Wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
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Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is a fresh, creamy, and zesty dish packed with flaky salmon, aromatic dill, and a bright lemony sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, this pasta is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for sauce consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season salmon with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Once slightly cooled, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Dill Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining salt and black pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with extra fresh dill and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon on the side.
Notes
Use Fresh Dill – It adds the best flavor compared to dried dill.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon – It should be tender and flaky, not dry.
Add Extra Veggies – Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions.
Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired