Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this creamy one pot salmon pasta that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. This recipe combines tender flaky salmon with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that comes together in just one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
What makes this recipe special is how it maximizes flavor while minimizing dishes. The same pan that sears the salmon becomes the vehicle for cooking the pasta and creating the luscious cream sauce. You’ll love how the salmon infuses the entire dish with its delicate flavor, while the garlic and herbs create depth and complexity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add pasta and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is almost cooked through.
Step 4: Stir in heavy cream, frozen peas, and dried dill. Return the salmon to the skillet. Cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Choose the right salmon: Fresh salmon works best, but frozen salmon that’s been properly thawed will also yield excellent results. Look for salmon with vibrant color and firm texture.
Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it during the initial searing. It will finish cooking when added back to the pasta.
Customize your vegetables: While peas work wonderfully, you can also add spinach, asparagus, or broccoli florets for extra nutrition and color. If you enjoy seafood pasta variations, you might also like our Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta which features sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Pasta selection: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. For another delicious pasta dinner option, try our Marry Me Chicken Pasta with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Simply thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly to ensure proper searing.
How can I make this dish healthier? You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli will also boost the nutritional value.
What other seafood works well in this recipe? Shrimp or scallops would be excellent alternatives to salmon. For more seafood inspiration, check out our Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is almost cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream, frozen peas, and dried dill. Return the salmon to the skillet. Cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
