Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta – Quick and Creamy One-Pot Meal Recipe
This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is a quick, creamy one-pot meal perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are cooked and flaked into a vibrant lemon and dill cream sauce, tossed with cooked pasta for a fragrant, satisfying dish bursting with fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salmon and Pasta
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (to thin the sauce if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside to cool slightly, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Lemon: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning. Stir in the lemon zest and juice to deglaze the pan.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Salmon: Add the cooked pasta and flaked salmon back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Add Fresh Dill and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh dill just before serving for a bright herbaceous note. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily without thinning flavor.
- Use fresh dill for best flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch—use half the amount.
- Salmon can be substituted with other firm fish or cooked shrimp.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat that complements the lemon and dill nicely.
- This dish is best served immediately for a creamy texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
