If you are craving a dish that combines creamy textures, zesty freshness, and rich flavors, then this Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon is a total winner. This vibrant recipe blends tender salmon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a bright lemon kick, all nestled in luscious pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and offers a delightful balance between everything you love in a pasta dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The velvety sauce complements the salmon perfectly without overpowering it.
Bright and Zesty: Lemon and sun-dried tomatoes add fresh acidity that lifts the dish beautifully.
Healthy and Filling: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different pastas or veggies to suit your pantry or preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon recipe uses simple, quality ingredients that work in harmony to create a hearty yet fresh dish. Each element from the tart lemon to the sweet sun-dried tomatoes enhances the texture and deepens the flavor profile.

Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen salmon adds silky, tender protein as the star ingredient.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with concentrated sweetness and tang, these bring richness and depth.
Lemon: Both juice and zest brighten the sauce with a fresh, citrusy pop.
Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy base that makes the pasta irresistibly luscious.
Garlic: Adds savory warmth and aromatic layers to the overall dish.
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully to catch the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: For sautéing ingredients and adding fruitiness to the dish.
Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds color and subtle herbal notes.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for sprinkling on top for an extra savory punch.

Variations for Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

This recipe is a fantastic base you can easily tweak to fit your taste buds, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Customizing is simple and keeps the meal exciting every time you make it.

Swap the Salmon: Use shrimp or chicken breast for a different protein twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a luscious vegan version.
Veggie Boost: Add spinach, asparagus, or zucchini to increase the nutrient content and volume.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or chopped chili for some heat.
Different Pasta Shapes: Try penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta to match your preferences.

How to Make Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips and zesting the lemon. Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and save a cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté Salmon and Tomatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon pieces and cook gently until just opaque on the outside. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté sun-dried tomatoes and garlic until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Add lemon juice and zest, then simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Return the salmon to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to get the perfect sauce consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Pro Tips for Making Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Use Fresh Lemon: Always opt for fresh lemon over bottled juice for vibrant, natural citrus flavor.
Don’t Overcook Salmon: Cook salmon just until opaque to keep it tender and moist in the pasta.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and bind it perfectly to the pasta.
Chop Tomatoes Thinly: Thin slices of sun-dried tomatoes distribute flavor more evenly without dominating the dish.
Season Properly: Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end to balance the creaminess and acidity.

How to Serve Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley or basil leaves, along with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese, can elevate the dish, adding freshness and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta twisted neatly on plates with a lemon wedge on the side for extra zing, or arrange salmon pieces artfully on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this dish due to the cream sauce and fish, which can change texture when frozen and thawed.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce and avoid drying out the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

While fresh salmon is preferable for texture and flavor, canned salmon can be used in a pinch; just add it towards the end to gently warm through without breaking apart too much.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Long strands like fettuccine or linguine work beautifully to hold the creamy sauce, but short pasta like penne can also be delicious and practical.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! The creamy sauce and mild flavors typically appeal to kids, but you can reduce the lemon for less tang if preferred.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative to keep the creaminess without dairy.

How do I keep the salmon from overcooking?

Cook salmon only until it turns opaque on the outside but still tender inside; it will finish cooking slightly when tossed with pasta and sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a gourmet-tasting meal without fuss or stress. It’s bursting with flavors that dance on your palate and textures that satisfy every bite. Trust me, once you try this creamy, zesty combination, it will quickly become a favorite go-to dinner that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious pasta magic!

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Print Recipe

This Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish combining tender salmon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and zesty lemon in a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it offers a healthy balance of omega-3 rich protein and luscious creaminess with bright citrus notes.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 salmon fillets (fresh or frozen), cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Flavorings

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy & Sauces

3/4 cup heavy cream
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Pantry Staples

8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips and zest the lemon. Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Sauté Salmon and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces and cook gently until just opaque on the outside, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the salmon and set aside. In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic until fragrant and slightly softened.
Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently and scraping any browned bits from the pan. Add the lemon juice and zest, then let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Toss: Return the cooked salmon to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use fresh lemon instead of bottled juice for the best citrus flavor.
Do not overcook the salmon; cook until just opaque to keep it moist and tender.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it bind better to the pasta.
Chop sun-dried tomatoes thinly to evenly distribute their flavor.
Adjust seasoning at the end to balance creaminess and acidity.
For dairy-free options, replace heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream.
Variations: swap salmon for shrimp or chicken, add veggies like spinach or zucchini, or use different pasta shapes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: salmon pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta, weeknight meal, seafood pasta