Penne al Salmone (Creamy Salmon Pasta)

This Creamy Salmon Pasta is a classic Italian pasta dish, very common in the 80s and 90s, but can still be found in many restaurants. It has the delicate, buttery taste of salmon and a creamy silky texture.

Penne al Salmone is very easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, making it a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions like a romantic dinner date or a dinner with guests.

For more seafood pasta recipes, check out also these Smoked Salmon Ravioli or this Squid Ink Pasta with Squids.

🧾 Ingredients

This selection of ingredients blends to create this creamy salmon pasta recipe, rich in flavors and textures, with each component playing a crucial role in the overall taste and presentation of the creamy salmon pasta.

• Salmon Fillets - Fresh or frozen, skinless pieces of salmon, known for their pink, tender flesh and rich flavor.
• Pasta - Traditionally, this recipe is made with Penne pasta, but any type like fettuccine, fusilli, or spaghetti, will hold the sauce well.
• Heavy Cream - Thick, high-fat cream that creates a rich and smooth sauce.
• Garlic - Minced, provides a pungent, aromatic base flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil - Used for cooking the salmon and sautéing the garlic, adds a fruity, rich taste.
• Fresh Parsley - Chopped, used as a garnish that adds a fresh, herby note to the final dish.
• Red Chili Pepper flakes - Will add a subtle spicy kick to the sauce. You can skip them altogether for a milder sauce, or substitute with cayenne or paprika.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

• Salmon: You can substitute it with canned salmon for a convenient alternative, although the taste and consistency may differ.
• Heavy cream: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free, vegan alternative, adding a slight coconut flavor to the dish. Greek yogurt is another substitute, offering a tangier, lower-fat sauce.
• Pasta: Gluten-free pasta is a suitable substitution for those avoiding gluten, offering a similar texture. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles (zoodles) are a great vegetable-based alternative.
• Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic for ease, while shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet onion-garlic flavor alternative.

🥣 Variations

• Creamy Spinach Salmon Pasta: Add a generous amount of fresh or frozen spinach to the sauce for a nutritious twist. The spinach adds color and vitamins, making the dish more wholesome.
• Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta: Incorporate a mixture of fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives, along with extra lemon zest and juice. This variation is lighter and emphasizes the fresh, aromatic qualities of the herbs and lemon.
• Smoked Salmon Pasta: Use smoked salmon instead of fresh or cooked salmon for a rich, smoky flavor.
• Spicy Salmon Pasta: Add red pepper flakes, diced fresh chili, or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick. This version adds warmth and spice, balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
• Salmon and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a bit of their oil to the sauce for a tangy, umami-rich flavor. This version brings a lovely sweetness and intensity that contrasts nicely with the salmon.

📋 Instructions with Photos

Step 1. In a medium pan, add a drizzle of olive oil, the chopped salmon, the minced garlic and the tomato paste.

Step 2. Cook on medium heat until the salmon is fully cooked. Add the heavy cream to the pan and cook for a minute longer.

Step 3. Transfer most or all of the salmon into a blender, and blend into a smooth sauce.

Step 4. Pour the sauce back into the pan and season with salt and chili pepper flakes to taste.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve the Creamy Salmon Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully, elevating the entire dining experience.

🔪 Equipment

• Blender: Useful for creating a smooth, homogeneous sauce if you prefer a silky texture or need to blend any added veggies or herbs into the sauce.
• Immersion Blender: Offers an easy way to thicken the sauce directly in the pan by blending some of the cooked pasta into it, adding a creamy texture without additional cream.
• Skillet / Large Frying Pan: Essential for searing the salmon to achieve crispy skin and a tender interior, and for creating the creamy pasta sauce.
• Herb Scissors or Mezzaluna Knife: Ideal for finely chopping fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or basil, which are added to the dish for a burst of flavor and color.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. It's best not to freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

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