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.
- 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)
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
- 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