Creamy Salmon Penne

The luscious blend of flaked salmon, velvety cream sauce, and aromatic dill makes this Creamy Salmon Penne a dish to remember. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of richness and freshness, ideal for any pasta enthusiast seeking a touch of elegance in their meal.

This recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet indulgent enough to impress guests. Serve it with a crisp glass of white wine and a side salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. The creamy garlic sauce, brightened with lemon juice and fresh herbs, ensures that this pasta will be on repeat in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and flake into bite-sized pieces.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Add flaked salmon, chopped dill, lemon juice, and peas (if using) to the sauce. Stir gently to combine.

7. Toss the cooked penne into the creamy sauce, coating it evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

8. Serve hot, garnished with extra dill and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Salmon Penne: A Comforting, Gourmet-Inspired Pasta Dish

When it comes to combining indulgent flavors with nutritious ingredients, Creamy Salmon Penne is the ultimate go-to. This pasta dish delivers everything a weeknight dinner needs, it’s quick, it’s delicious, and it’s packed with satisfying textures. Creamy garlic sauce, rich salmon flakes, a hint of fresh dill, and perfectly al dente penne pasta come together to create a restaurant-quality meal at home, without the fuss.

If you love the elegance of seafood but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This one-pan pasta dish not only satisfies your craving for something hearty and flavorful, but it also brings together wholesome components that nourish and delight.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night, treating yourself after a long day, or trying to impress guests, this salmon pasta recipe rises to the occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Salmon Penne

• Easy and Quick: From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes.

• Full of Flavor: Garlic, Parmesan, lemon, and dill pack this dish with incredible taste.

• Nutritious and Hearty: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3s and protein.

• Comforting Yet Elegant: Creamy sauce offers indulgence, while herbs and citrus brighten the dish.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Family dinners, romantic evenings, or gourmet lunches, this dish fits all.

Ingredient Breakdown and Why They Matter

Let’s look a bit deeper into the key ingredients that make this dish shine.

Salmon:
The star of the dish, salmon adds richness, healthy fats, and a flaky texture that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces. You can use fresh fillets or even high-quality canned or smoked salmon if that’s what you have on hand.

Penne Pasta:
Penne is ideal for creamy sauces. Its tubular shape holds the sauce inside and out, delivering more flavor in every bite. Feel free to substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine if preferred.

Garlic:
Aromatic and essential, garlic forms the base of many creamy sauces. It adds depth and complexity without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the salmon.

Heavy Cream:
For that signature rich, velvety sauce, heavy cream is essential. It balances the tanginess of lemon juice and Dijon mustard while binding all the flavors together.

Parmesan Cheese:
Adds nuttiness, saltiness, and creaminess. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and integrates more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

Dijon Mustard:
This may be a surprising addition, but just a touch of Dijon lifts the cream sauce with subtle heat and complexity.

Fresh Dill and Lemon:
Dill is a classic pairing with salmon. Its light, slightly anise-like flavor cuts through the richness of the sauce. Lemon adds brightness and acidity, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.

Peas (Optional):
Frozen peas bring a pop of color and natural sweetness. They also add a serving of vegetables, making this dish more rounded.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Creamy Salmon Penne

1. Don’t Overcook the Salmon:
Salmon cooks fast. Aim for 3–4 minutes per side in the skillet. It should flake easily with a fork. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and loses its luxurious texture.

2. Use Pasta Water Wisely:
Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash to loosen it and help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

3. Balance the Creaminess:
Cream sauces can feel heavy. That’s why lemon juice and mustard are so important, they add necessary acidity and contrast.

4. Stir Gently:
When combining the flaked salmon into the sauce, be gentle. You want nice chunks, not salmon mush. Fold it in with care at the end to keep its texture intact.

5. Use Fresh Ingredients When Possible:
Fresh dill, lemon, and garlic will always yield better results than dried or bottled versions.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Salmon Penne is delicious on its own, but a few thoughtful sides can elevate the entire meal:

• Green Salad: A crisp arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the creaminess beautifully.

• Garlic Bread: For a little crunch and extra indulgence, garlic bread or herbed focaccia makes a great pairing.

• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini roasted with olive oil and sea salt add color and nutrition.

• White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc brings the meal full circle, enhancing the seafood’s richness.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the sauce for a mild kick.

2. Go Gluten-Free
Swap regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just watch the cooking time, some gluten-free varieties cook faster.

3. Add Greens
Toss in a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking to boost fiber and nutrients.

4. Use Smoked Salmon
For a smokier flavor and a zero-cook alternative, use flaked smoked salmon. Add it at the very end to avoid overcooking.

5. Swap Cream
If you’re trying to lighten the dish, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream (note: this may change the flavor profile slightly).

Storage and Reheating Tips

Creamy pastas can be tricky to store and reheat without losing their texture, but here’s how to get the best results:

• Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Avoid Freezing: Cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or the next day.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

This recipe is ideal for:

• Busy professionals wanting a quick gourmet meal

• Parents seeking a kid-friendly pasta with omega-3 benefits

• Date night cooks trying to impress with minimal stress

• Seafood lovers craving a rich, satisfying dish

• Anyone who loves classic pasta comfort with a modern twist

Conclusion

Creamy Salmon Penne is the ultimate proof that elegance and simplicity can go hand in hand. This dish is more than just pasta, it’s a flavorful, well-balanced meal that brings joy to the table. With its silky garlic-Parmesan sauce, fresh herbs, and tender salmon, it checks all the boxes for a comforting dinner that still feels special.

Whether you’re making it for a weekday dinner, a romantic date night, or a small gathering with friends, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again and perhaps even adding your own signature twist.