Lemon Salmon Pasta

This lemon salmon pasta is creamy, delicious, and light. A great cozy yet Spring dish. Made with fresh salmon, heavy creams, fresh lemons and more. Let's make this yummy dish together!

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When it comes to the seasons changing, it can often feel like I am torn when it comes to what to cook in the kitchen. I so badly want to transition fully over to all things warmer weather. I dream of being in the kitchen and making chicken Caesar wraps, shrimp spring rolls with all the fresh ingredients, and prosciutto paninis.

Although, despite it being Spring on the calendar, the weather just isn't quite there yet. So, I want fresh yet also need a dish that will keep my body warm.

This lemon salmon pasta meets that need of fresh and cozy. A creamy, lemon sauce, with pasta tossed in, and fresh salmon on top. My mouth is watering. This dish gives Spring with the fresh and bright salmon yet also gives warm and coziness with the cold weather. You truly get the best of both worlds.

In our home, we have been doing pasta nights every Saturday and this one will be added to the rotation.

To add this pasta dish to your meal rotation, keep on reading! Let's make this tasty dish together.

How to Make Lemon Salmon Pasta Step-by-Step

To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your portioned out salmon filet on there. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt and pepper and top with lemon slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.

While the salmon is baking, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add in your pasta and cook to al dente when the water comes to a boil.

While the water is coming to a boil, start on the creamy lemon sauce. To a medium sized pan, add in the butter, finely diced white onion, and garlic. Cook on medium low until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stirring frequently so the aromatics don't burn.

To the sauteed onions and garlic, add in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Give everything a stir and allow to come to a boil then turn down to simmer.

Once simmering and thickened a bit, add in the shredded parmesan cheese and spinach. Stir until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Finish off with salt and pepper.

The sauce is now done! Fold in the al dente pasta and top with the baked salmon.

Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Tips

• For extra creaminess within the sauce, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre shredded.
• Red pepper flakes make a great topping for this pasta dish if you want a slight kick.
• Reserve some of the pasta water to add into the sauce to make it extra silky.
• Just before serving, drizzle with some more fresh lemon juice and/or lemon zest.

Ingredients

Fresh salmon

Fettuccini pasta - the thickness of these noodles will be perfect to soak up the sauce.

Fresh lemons - we will be using the zest as well as the juice from the lemon.

Heavy cream - the heavy cream will help add creaminess and thickness to the pasta sauce.

Chicken broth - chicken broth helps to add protein, flavor, and a savory touch to the dish.

Butter - Butter will be used to sauté the onion and garlic in.

Garlic - Garlic is one of the aromatics that will be used to add extra flavor to the pasta dish.

White onion - Adding in an onion will also help deepen the flavor and create extra texture. Every good dish starts with an onion.

Parmesan cheese - for extra creaminess, try shredding your own parmesan.

Spinach - Just a little bit of spinach in this recipe goes a long way. We don't want it to fully take over the dish, but a bit of greenery helps to add color, flavor, and texture.

Salt & pepper - simple seasonings go a long way with our salmon and our pasta sauce.

Fresh parsley - this is optional, but topping the dish with fresh parsley adds some color and freshness.

Tools You May Need

Large pot

Medium sized skillet

Cutting board

Sharp knife - This Farberware knife is my go-to.

Grater - I love this one and use it almost every day!

Why You'll Love This Lemon Salmon Pasta

This pasta dish is full of so much flavor. With the flaky salmon, and the creamy lemon sauce, this dish is not lacking in the flavor department.

Another reason you love this dish is because it is light. When I think of pasta I can often think that I will leave feeling heavy and bloated after eating it. Although, the sauce in this dish is full of fresh lemon zest and juice and spinach which makes for a light addition within this meal.

Lastly, this dish is comforting. Despite the dish being light, it is also comforting. With the thick fettuccini noodles and the creamy sauce, you will feel cozy enjoying it!

FAQs

What kind of pasta goes well with salmon?

Within this recipe, we are using fettuccini pasta. Fettuccini has a chewier texture to it while salmon is soft and flaky. This kind of pasta also has a milder taste, allowing the salmon and its sauce to stand out. Fettuccini pasta and salmon complement each other very well.

What is the biggest mistake when cooking salmon?

When it comes to cooking salmon, the biggest mistake comes from overcooking it. When salmon is overcooked, it becomes dry and chewy. You know salmon is done when it flakes easily when a fork breaks it up. It should also be a shiny and slightly translucent color in the middle.

How much lemon juice should I add to lemon pasta?

Our lemon salmon pasta calls for half a lemon worth of juice within the sauce. This will give you about 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice. High heat can often kill the freshness of lemon juice which can lead to a dull lemon flavor. With that being said, we strongly encourage you to top the pasta with fresh lemon juice as well.

More Pasta Dishes from This Hygge Home

Chicken Feta Pasta with Pesto - if you are looking for another light yet cozy dish, this chicken feta pasta with pesto is it!

Butternut squash mac and cheese - This dish will be your friend in the Fall when butternut squash is at its peak freshness.

Cheesy Hamburger Helper - I'm not sure if it gets as cozy and comforting as a classic hamburger helper.

Roasted butternut squash tortellini with sausage and kale - Another light yet refreshing dish.