Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, tasty, and feels a bit special, creamy lemon dill salmon pasta is a great choice. This dish brings together flaky salmon, a bright lemon-dill sauce, and tender pasta for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

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The best part is that you can have this creamy, flavorful meal ready in about 20 to 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or a simple date night. The fresh dill adds a lovely herbal touch, while the lemon keeps the sauce light and zesty.

You don’t have to be a fancy cook to make it either. With basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s from a restaurant but won’t keep you in the kitchen all night.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta

You’ll need fresh ingredients, especially good salmon and bright lemon for flavor. Making the sauce right and following clear steps will help your dish come together quickly and taste great.

Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Optional: 1 tbsp butter for extra richness

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down if it has skin, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and easily flaked with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled slightly, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped dill to the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Add the cooked pasta and flaked salmon back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. If you like, stir in butter for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve the pasta on plates, garnished with extra fresh dill and a lemon wedge if desired.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Your creamy lemon dill salmon pasta can be easily paired with simple sides to enhance the meal. When storing leftovers, keeping the flavors intact and the dish fresh is key for your next serving.

Pairing Ideas

To balance the creamy and zesty flavors of the pasta, consider fresh, crisp sides. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a great match. It adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli also work well. They add texture and color without overpowering the dish.

For bread, try a slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette. This helps soak up any extra sauce and rounds out your meal nicely.

Related Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad Easy Recipe for Weeknights

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep the pasta from drying out. Refrigerate the dish and try to use it within 2 days for the best taste and safety.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta. This helps restore the sauce’s creaminess and prevents it from becoming thick or clumpy.

Avoid freezing if possible, as the creamy sauce might separate and change texture after thawing. Use the leftovers cold in a pasta salad if you want a quick and easy alternative.

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