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One-Pot Creamy Salmon Pasta

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This one-pot creamy salmon pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. Made with tender flaked salmon, a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is both easy and satisfying. The best part? Everything is cooked in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or smoked salmon, this dish adapts effortlessly to what you have on hand. With simple ingredients and customizable variations, it’s a go-to meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened (about 10-12 minutes).

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the flaked salmon, Parmesan cheese, and spinach (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.

Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

 

Notes

1. Best Pasta Choices

  • Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle holds onto the sauce well.
  • Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works if you prefer a classic creamy pasta texture.

2. Salmon Options

  • Fresh salmon: Cook and flake it before adding it to the pasta.
  • Canned salmon: Drain and remove bones/skin for a quicker option.
  • Smoked salmon: Adds a smoky depth but may require less salt in the recipe.

3. Sauce Consistency Tips

  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth, milk, or reserved pasta water.
  • If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes or add more Parmesan cheese.

4. How to Store & Reheat

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop with a little milk or broth to maintain the creamy texture.

5. Customization Ideas

  • Add vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • Make it spicy: Red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/one-pot-creamy-salmon-pasta/