If you’re craving a dish that beautifully combines bright, fresh flavors with creamy indulgence, this Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s an effortless blend of tender salmon, zesty lemon, and fragrant dill tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises a delightful experience every time you take a bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a vital part in bringing this dish to life. Fresh salmon offers rich flavor and protein, while dill and lemon provide the signature brightness and freshness. The cream and butter create that velvety sauce that ties everything together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose a shape like fettuccine or penne that holds sauce well.
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon: Firm and fresh for the best texture and taste.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every component just right.
- Flour (for dredging): Helps create a light crust on the salmon and thickens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the fish without sticking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Gives richness and depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine): Builds a flavorful, slightly tangy base for the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brings the perfect acidic brightness to balance the creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates that silky, luscious sauce everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: The star herb that pairs beautifully with salmon and lemon.
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, parmesan cheese: Extra color and flavor to finish the dish with flair.
How to Make Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for your pasta. Cooking it al dente is key to the perfect texture—it should be tender but still have a tiny bite. As soon as your water boils and pasta cooks, you can start working on the sauce, so everything comes together smoothly and piping hot.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Season your fresh salmon generously with salt and pepper, then lightly coat it in flour. This step helps create a delicate crust when cooked, and also assists in thickening the sauce later. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon and cook it for about two minutes per side. You want a nice sear on the outside while keeping it tender inside. Then, gently remove the salmon and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll join the sauce soon!
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Into the same pan, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits left from the salmon for extra flavor. Add the minced garlic and let everything bubble gently for about 30 seconds. This step wakes up the pan and infuses your sauce with fragrant, savory notes.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Cream and Dill
Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh dill. Carefully break the salmon into bite-sized flakes and add it back to the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens beautifully and the salmon is cooked through. It’s the moment where all the flavors marry perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta and add it straight into the skillet with the luscious salmon sauce. Toss everything together gently so every strand or piece of pasta is coated with that creamy, lemon-dill goodness. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese add a lovely finishing touch—parsley brightens the dish with its herbal notes, and parmesan adds a subtle salty depth. These garnishes aren’t just for looks; they truly lift the flavors and presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with a light side like a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes creates a balanced meal. These fresh sides complement the creamy salmon pasta without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve the pasta twirled into nests on each plate, topped with a delicate salmon flake and a sprig of dill. You could also add lemon zest or thin lemon slices for a pop of color and extra zing. Presentation makes your Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe feel restaurant-worthy at home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors remain wonderful, though the pasta may soak up some sauce, so a quick refresh with a splash of cream or broth when reheating helps restore its creaminess.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze this pasta, the texture of the cream sauce and salmon may change slightly. If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon and curdling the cream. Adding a splash of broth or cream keeps the sauce silky and smooth. Avoid microwaving at high heat for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps you get that lovely crust from the flour dredge.
What type of pasta works best?
Medium to long pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or linguine are ideal because they catch the creamy sauce well. Ultimately, use your favorite pasta shape to make this recipe your own.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich and may not thicken quite the same way. For the full creamy experience, heavy cream is best.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture will have a different profile but still delicious!
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Fresh dill is classic here, but you can experiment with parsley, chives, or tarragon to add your own twist. Each herb will bring a unique flavor dimension to this already vibrant dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe—it’s an absolute joy to cook and eat. The combination of creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and tender salmon really feels like a special treat without any fuss. Perfect for weeknights or when you want to show off a little, this pasta will win hearts and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Print
Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon cooked in a creamy lemon-dill sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. It’s an elegant yet simple recipe ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
Salmon & Sauce
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Begin preparing the sauce once the water starts boiling to ensure timing coordination.
- Prepare salmon: Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then dredge it lightly in flour to help create a delicate crust when cooked.
- Sear salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely seared. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Start sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Let the mixture bubble for about 30 seconds to release aromas, then reduce heat to medium.
- Finish sauce and salmon: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped dill. Return the salmon to the skillet, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a spoon. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Toss pasta and serve: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce and salmon. Toss together until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If preferred, substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for a deeper flavor.
- Use fresh dill for the best taste; dried dill can be substituted but reduce quantity by half.
- Ensure not to overcook salmon to keep it tender and moist.
- Pair this dish with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
