Easy Salmon Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Twist on Dinner Classics

Crafting a delightful salmon pasta brings pure culinary magic to your evening meal.

Creamy textures and rich flavors combine effortlessly in this simple dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully selected ingredient.

Wild-caught salmon creates a luxurious centerpiece for hungry diners.

Nutritious and quick, this recipe promises satisfaction in under thirty minutes.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate its elegant simplicity.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Why Nigella Salmon Pasta Is So Creamy And Tasty

• Customize with Ease: Swap salmon for another protein or use different pasta shapes to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to personal taste preferences.
• Gourmet Meets Simplicity: Combines restaurant-quality flavors with straightforward cooking techniques, making it feel like a professional chef prepared your meal without complex skills.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and preparation steps, transforming a potentially complicated dish into a stress-free dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with omega-3 rich salmon, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that tastes incredible while supporting healthy eating.

Everything You Need For Nigella Salmon Pasta

• Salmon: A rich, flavorful fish that serves as the protein centerpiece of this delicious pasta dish.

• Linguine: A long, flat pasta that provides the perfect base for the creamy sauce and salmon.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and creamy texture to the sauce.
• White Wine: Brings a subtle depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the salmon.
• Nutmeg: Offers a warm, subtle spice to round out the sauce.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional boost to the pasta.
• Capers: Provide a tangy, briny flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Lemon Wedges: Allows for a fresh, zesty finish when squeezed over the dish.

How To Cook Nigella Salmon Pasta Easily

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Setup

Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Season and Bake Salmon

Spray a small-rimmed baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared pan. Bake for 14-16 minutes until salmon is nearly opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Cook Linguine

Add salt to a large pot of boiling water. Cook linguine according to package instructions.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Build Sauce Flavors

• Cream
• Wine
• Lemon zest
• Nutmeg
• Remaining salt and pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Incorporate Greens

• Spinach
• Capers

Toss drained pasta into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes over low heat until spinach wilts.

Step 7: Finish and Plate

Remove salmon from the oven. Discard skin and break salmon into large chunks. Serve salmon over pasta. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing at the table.

Tips To Improve Your Nigella Salmon Pasta

• Prevent Overcooking Salmon: Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, moist salmon at 145 degrees F without drying out.
• Enhance Sauce Flavor: Toast garlic briefly to release aromatic oils and develop deeper, richer taste before adding cream and wine.
• Achieve Optimal Pasta Texture: Reserve a small cup of pasta water to help sauce cling better and adjust consistency if needed.
• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose wild-caught salmon and fresh spinach for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste sauce before adding final salt to prevent oversalting, as capers and salmon already contribute saltiness.

Ways To Mix Up Nigella Salmon Pasta

• Gluten-Free Salmon Pasta: Replace linguine with gluten-free rice pasta or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Salmon Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream to create a lighter, lactose-free sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Salmon Pasta: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme to the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with vibrant herb notes.
• Low-Carb Salmon Pasta Alternative: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious salmon and sauce combination.

Best Pairings For Nigella Salmon Pasta

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this creamy salmon pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich sauce and complements the salmon's delicate flavor.
• Herbal Green Salad Contrast: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the pasta's creaminess and add a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the dish.
• Crusty Bread Dipping Delight: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the luxurious cream sauce, providing a perfect textural complement and additional flavor dimension.

How To Store Nigella Salmon Pasta The Right Way

• Store leftover salmon pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon chunks separate from the pasta to maintain texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce's consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking the salmon pieces.
• Freeze the pasta without salmon for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding freshly cooked salmon chunks for the best flavor and texture.

Nigella Salmon Pasta Questions Answered

• Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fatty fish like trout or arctic char for similar results.

• Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use gluten-free linguine to make this dish completely gluten-free without changing the flavor profile.

• How do I know if the salmon is fully cooked?

Check that the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and looks almost opaque when done.

• Can I make this dish without wine?

Replace white wine with chicken broth or additional cream to maintain the sauce’s richness and depth of flavor.

Salmon Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Mediterranean Salmon Pasta brings coastal Italian flavors to your dinner table with luxurious salmon and silky sauce. Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a simple yet elegant meal that delights you with each comforting forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 0.75 pound or 340 grams)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine
• 1 box (5 ounces or 142 grams) baby spinach

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1–1/4 cups (300 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons capers

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and heat to a rolling boil, simultaneously preparing the oven at 350°F for salmon roasting.
2. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray and position salmon with salt and pepper seasoning, skin facing downward.
3. Roast salmon for 14-16 minutes until nearly opaque and reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
4. Generously salt a separate pot of water and cook linguine according to package instructions.
5. In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat and quickly sauté garlic until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
6. Incorporate remaining seasonings, cream, wine, lemon zest, and nutmeg into the skillet, creating a delicate sauce base.
7. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce for 5-6 minutes, stirring periodically until achieving a light, creamy consistency.
8. Introduce spinach and capers to the skillet, then fold in drained pasta, gently cooking until spinach wilts.
9. Extract salmon from oven, carefully remove skin, and break into generous chunks for serving alongside pasta.
10. Present dish with fresh lemon wedges, allowing diners to squeeze additional citrus flavor tableside.

Notes

• Adjust salmon cooking time based on thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain moist, tender texture.
• Use fresh garlic for more intense flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.
• Select wild-caught salmon for superior nutritional profile and sustainable seafood choice.
• Consider gluten-free pasta option for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring recipe remains accessible to diverse dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg