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Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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