Salmon pasta recipe is one of those weeknight meals that never lets me down. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly flexible—which is exactly what I need when I’m staring into the fridge after a long day. I remember the first time I made this recipe: I had a leftover salmon filet, half a box of pasta, and a lemon that was on its last legs. I tossed everything together with garlic and olive oil, and just like that, a new dinnertime favorite was born.
This salmon pasta recipe has become a regular at our house because it doesn’t ask for much. No special trip to the store. No complicated cooking steps. Just pantry staples and a bit of salmon magic. It’s forgiving if you’re missing something, and it’s open to any extras you want to throw in—cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even a spoonful of cream cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
Table of Contents
A Salmon Pasta Recipe That Works With What You Have
Your Base Ingredients, Simplified
The beauty of this salmon pasta recipe is that it works with almost anything you have on hand. Here’s what I use most often:
- Salmon: Fresh, baked, grilled, or leftover—all work beautifully. Just flake it with a fork and remove the skin.
- Pasta: Linguine, penne, or spaghetti. Gluten-free versions also hold up well in this dish.
- Olive Oil & Garlic: These bring warmth and depth without needing a heavy sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the whole dish and balances the richness of the fish.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Basil and parsley add that final fresh touch.
Flavor Without Fuss
This salmon pasta recipe doesn’t rely on fancy sauces or long simmer times. The salmon gives you richness, the lemon adds a zippy brightness, and the garlic brings it all together. Toss in some spinach for color or a few red pepper flakes for heat. You can even prep most of it ahead—cook your pasta, flake the salmon, and dinner comes together in under 20 minutes.
The simplicity is what makes this dish a staple in my home. It fits those nights when you want something hearty but don’t have the energy for something complicated.
How to Make This Salmon Pasta Recipe Just Right
Easy Cooking Tips That Save Time
This salmon pasta recipe is meant to be stress-free, so here are a few tricks I’ve learned after making it countless times:
- Start with the pasta water. Get it boiling first, so the pasta cooks while you prep the salmon and veggies.
- Use one pan if possible. Roast the salmon, garlic, and tomatoes together in the oven on a sheet pan or in a baking dish. Less mess, more flavor.
- Flake salmon gently. Once cooked, use a fork to break it into chunks. Don’t overmix—it’s nice to leave some larger bites for texture.
- Reserve some pasta water. Before draining the noodles, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy water. It helps bind everything together when you toss it all.
- Toss pasta while it’s hot. This allows the salmon and flavors to coat every noodle without needing a heavy sauce.
You’ll have everything cooked and ready in around 30 minutes. It’s a one-bowl wonder that doesn’t ask for much but delivers big on flavor.
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Salmon Pasta Recipe for Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinners
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flexible and fresh salmon pasta recipe you can make with pantry staples and leftover or freshly cooked salmon.
Ingredients
8 oz linguine or penne
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 lemon, juiced
1 cooked salmon filet, flaked
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil pasta according to package instructions, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and tomatoes until soft.
3. Add flaked salmon and lemon juice, stir gently.
4. Toss drained pasta into the pan with salmon.
5. Add a splash of pasta water and fresh basil.
6. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread.
Notes
Use leftover grilled or baked salmon.
Add spinach or arugula for extra greens.
For a creamy twist, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Make It Your Own With Easy Ingredient Swaps
The best thing about this salmon pasta recipe? It’s as flexible as your fridge. You don’t have to follow it to the letter—just get the basics right and improvise the rest.
Here are some favorite swaps and add-ins:
| Ingredient | Swap Ideas |
|---|---|
| Salmon | Canned salmon, smoked salmon, or even leftover grilled fish |
| Pasta | Penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, gluten-free options |
| Garlic | Shallots, red onion, or garlic powder (in a pinch) |
| Cherry Tomatoes | Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or none at all |
| Herbs | Basil, parsley, dill, or thyme |
| Olive Oil | Butter or avocado oil |
| Add-ins | Spinach, arugula, peas, roasted zucchini, or mushrooms |
You can adjust this dish to match your mood or clean out the fridge. Looking for more recipes that work like that? Head over to my Pinterest for more ideas that are big on flavor and low on stress.
Flavor Twists & Serving Ideas for Your Salmon Pasta Recipe
Delicious Variations to Try
The beauty of this salmon pasta recipe is that it works with whatever you’re craving. Once you’ve got the basics down—pasta, salmon, garlic, and lemon—you can play with flavor profiles to suit your mood.
Here are some favorite twists:
- Creamy Option: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream just before serving. It gives the pasta a cozy, rich feel without turning it into a full cream-based dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or a drizzle of chili oil at the end. A little heat plays beautifully with the brightness of the lemon and the richness of the salmon.
- Fresh Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach, arugula, or kale during the last minute of cooking. They wilt perfectly and add color and nutrients.
- Citrusy Boost: Add extra lemon zest just before serving for a fresh pop that brightens everything.
- Protein Boost: Mix in white beans, chickpeas, or even cooked shrimp for extra protein and heartiness.
Each of these variations builds on the foundation of the original salmon pasta recipe, allowing you to keep things interesting while using ingredients you already have. For even more flexible meal ideas, take a peek at my lunch .
What to Serve With Salmon Pasta
If you’re wondering what pairs well with this dish, here are a few simple sides that round out the meal without piling on extra work:
- Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette: Perfect for soaking up any lemony olive oil left at the bottom of the bowl.
- Simple Green Salad: Try one with a light vinaigrette—something citrusy or herby to echo the flavors in the pasta.
- Roasted Veggies: Asparagus, zucchini, or green beans pair nicely and cook in the oven alongside the salmon.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio matches the light, fresh flavors of the dish.
Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dinner or something a little special, this salmon pasta recipe adapts beautifully to your needs and your pantry.
FAQs About This Salmon Pasta Recipe
What sauce goes with salmon pasta?
Salmon pasta shines with a variety of sauces, but some of the best pairings are simple and light. A lemon-garlic olive oil sauce brings brightness, while a touch of cream or cream cheese adds richness. If you like a herby note, basil pesto or dill sauce also work beautifully.
Does salmon go with pasta?
Yes, salmon goes exceptionally well with pasta. The richness of the fish balances out simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs. Whether you want something light and fresh or a bit more indulgent, a salmon pasta recipe brings both texture and flavor together effortlessly.
What kind of sauce goes with salmon?
Salmon plays well with both citrus-based sauces like lemon-butter or garlic-lime, and creamy sauces like a dill cream or mascarpone blend. Even simple olive oil and herb sauces work, especially in pasta dishes.
What sauce goes with salmon and noodles?
For a more Asian-inspired twist, soy sauce and sesame oil with a little ginger and scallion create a savory, bold flavor. But for classic salmon pasta recipes, lemon, garlic, and olive oil remain go-to choices that highlight the salmon without overpowering it.
Conclusion: A Salmon Pasta Recipe You’ll Keep Coming Back To
This salmon pasta recipe has everything I love in a meal—comfort, flexibility, and just enough freshness to keep it from feeling heavy. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday night. You can keep it light, make it creamy, or dress it up with your favorite veggies and herbs.
The best part? You can make it your own every single time. Whether you’re using leftovers or cooking salmon fresh, this dish fits whatever’s in your fridge and on your schedule.
So go ahead—boil some pasta, flake that salmon, and give this recipe a spot in your weekly dinner lineup. You’ll be glad you did.
