One Pot Salmon Pasta: Creamy Weeknight Dinner with Minimal Cleanup
One Pot Salmon Pasta: Creamy Weeknight Dinner with Minimal Cleanup
When you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or face a mountain of dishes, this one pot salmon pasta is your new best friend. Imagine tender flakes of salmon swimming in a creamy garlic sauce with perfectly cooked pasta – all made in a single skillet! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
If you love the convenience of one pan salmon recipes, you’ll adore how this dish eliminates the cleanup stress while delivering incredible flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have time for complicated cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids
Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, breaking it if needed to fit. Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. The liquid should just cover the pasta.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Season with dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Salmon
Cut salmon into 1-inch chunks and nestle them into the partially cooked pasta. Cover and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 more minutes until peas are heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Add it when the pasta is partially cooked to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Customize vegetables: Try adding spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes along with the peas.
- Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully for leftovers.
This creamy pasta dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or garlic bread. If you’re looking for more quick weeknight dinners, check out our collection of chicken recipes for busy schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator first, then pat dry before using.
What other pasta shapes work well?
Penne, farfalle, or rigatoni all work beautifully. Adjust cooking time slightly based on pasta thickness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
For more comforting one pot meals, explore our recipes that make weeknight cooking delicious and stress-free.
One Pot Salmon Pasta: Creamy Weeknight Dinner with Minimal Cleanup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, breaking it if needed to fit. Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. The liquid should just cover the pasta.
- Season with dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cut salmon into 1-inch chunks and nestle them into the partially cooked pasta. Cover and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Stir in frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 more minutes until peas are heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
