Creamy Marry Me Salmon Pasta

This salmon pasta dish has a creamy sauce enriched by sweet, intense sun-dried tomatoes that give every bite a depth you just can’t get from a plain cream sauce. A splash of fresh lemon lifts the whole thing and stops it from ever feeling too heavy. The tender salmon soaks up the sauce completely. Best of all, it all comes together in a single pan in under 30 minutes. Make this creamy marry me salmon pasta once, and whoever tastes it might want to marry you.

Why you’ll fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Salmon Pasta Recipe

One-pan recipe: Sear salmon and creamy sauce, all in one pan.

Quick Recipe: It only takes under 30 minutes to make.

A sauce with real layers: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, cream, Parmesan, lemon — savoury, tangy, a little spicy, and creamy all at once.

Fancy Salmon: Flaky, tender salmon elevates the whole dish, and it cooks in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2–3 salmon fillets
  • Flaky, tender protein that soaks up the sauce
• Pasta
  • The base of the pasta recipe
• Paprika
  • Adds a subtle smokiness to the salmon
• Garlic powder
  • Adds flavor to the salmon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Flavor enhancement
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  • To sear the salmon
• 2 tbsp butter
  • Adds richness to the sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fragrant aromatic
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Gives the sauce texture and a deeper sweet and savory flavor
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Adds a subtle kick
• 1 cup heavy cream
  • Base of the sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Adds a nutty flavor and helps with the creamy texture
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Helps cut the cream and helps lift the dish
• 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • Loosens the sauce
• 1/2 cup spinach
  • Adds a pop of color and earthiness

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water.

Pat the salmon dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan.

Sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release flavor.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Add lemon juice and mix well.

Stir in reserved pasta water to loosen and create a silky sauce.

Season sauce with salt to taste.

Add spinach and cook until just wilted.

Return pasta to the sauce.

Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until salmon is fully cooked and coated in sauce.

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Creamy Marry Me Salmon Pasta Cooking Tips

Pat the salmon dry before searing. This is to give it a nice golden crust.

Do not overcook the salmon. Take it off the pan just before it is completely done. You will finish cooking it off in the sauce.

Grate fresh Parmesan for best results. Pre-grated cheese typically doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently over low heat in a pan or microwave the salmon pasta in increments. Add a splash of water or milk if needed.

If you enjoyed this marry me salmon pasta recipe, you might also like my chicken alfredo recipe.

Chicken Alfredo with Pappardelle Pasta Recipe

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