With millions of views and rave reviews, this Creamy Salmon Pasta is the ultimate impressive-yet-easy dinner. Tender roasted salmon, fresh spinach, and briny capers are tossed with linguine in a silky white wine cream sauce kissed with lemon zest. It’s elegant enough for date night at home but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’re craving a restaurant-quality salmon pasta recipe without the fuss, this creamy, flavor-packed dish delivers every time.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 salmon fillets (about ¾ pound total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided (plus more for pasta water)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 12 ounces linguine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 box (5 ounces) baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Rimmed baking pan
- Large pot
- High-sided skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Zester
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the Salmon 🐟
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray baking pan with nonstick spray.
Place salmon skin-side down. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
Bake 16–18 minutes, until almost opaque and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta 🍝
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Cream Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Stir in heavy cream, white wine, lemon zest, remaining salt and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5–6 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Add Spinach & Capers
Lower heat to low.
Add spinach and capers.
Place drained pasta on top and toss gently for 1–2 minutes, until spinach wilts and sauce coats pasta.
5️⃣ Finish with Salmon ✨
Remove salmon skin and flake into large chunks.
Gently fold into pasta.
Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finishing squeeze.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overcook Salmon: Remove when just opaque for tender flakes.
- Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Extra Creamy: Reserve ¼ cup pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for part of the cream.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 777 | 31g | 69g | 39g | 4g | 5g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used. Please calculate using your preferred nutrition calculator for precise values.
The Best Creamy Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 16–18 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, simmer heavy cream, white wine, minced garlic, and lemon zest for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta, fresh spinach, capers, and flaked roasted salmon to the skillet. Toss gently until spinach wilts and everything is coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
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This Creamy Salmon Pasta delivers elegance without effort. Rich, balanced, and packed with flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for special dinners or when you simply want something indulgent and comforting.