Print

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon
Print Recipe

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon is a quick and vibrant dish combining tender, omega-3 rich salmon with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, zesty lemon, and a creamy sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this light yet satisfying recipe balances bright citrus notes with rich creaminess and fresh herbs, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed)

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, linguine)

Vegetables & Flavorings

  • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Dairy & Liquids

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche (or dairy-free alternative)

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Cook the Salmon: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place salmon skin-side down in the pan and cook until the skin is golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook until the salmon is just opaque inside, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove salmon from pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil if needed. Gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
  4. Add Cream and Lemon: Pour in heavy cream or your chosen alternative, stirring to combine well with the garlic and tomatoes. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to infuse the sauce with bright citrus notes. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta, Salmon, and Sauce: Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pan with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the dish. Toss gently once more, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately, optionally garnished with lemon slices or parmesan.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon fillets for best texture; thaw frozen salmon thoroughly before cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking salmon to keep it tender and moist.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help bind sauce to pasta.
  • Lemon zest adds aromatic oils and essential flavor; don’t skip it.
  • Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide more flavor and a softer texture than dry-packed varieties.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/salmon-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-lemon/