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Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta

creamy lemon dill salmon pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring tender salmon, silky lemon dill sauce, and al dente pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting yet special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet (skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to scrape up browned bits. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well with tongs to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until desired consistency. Gently fold in cooked salmon cubes.
  6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta and toss one last time. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh dill and lemon zest. Add a crack of black pepper on top if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be just cooked through and moist. Use starchy pasta water to emulsify the sauce for a silky finish. Fresh dill is preferred over dried for brightness. Lemon zest adds aromatic oils that enhance flavor. Taste as you go to adjust seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon dill salmon pasta, 30-minute dinner, easy salmon pasta, weeknight dinner, salmon recipe, creamy pasta

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-lemon-dill-salmon-pasta-30-minute-easy-dinner/