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Creamy 30-Minute Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy 30-minute salmon pasta with sun-dried tomatoes - featured image
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This creamy salmon pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. The combination of tender salmon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and velvety cream cheese sauce over perfectly cooked pasta is pure comfort food magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) skinless, boneless salmon fillets
  • 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle recommended)
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained (reserve 1 tablespoon oil)
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place salmon fillets in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, let rest, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and reserved 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add drained sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese in small chunks, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth.
  8. Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  9. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. Gently fold in flaked salmon.
  10. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Toss once more. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Do not overcook the salmon in the pan; it will continue to cook slightly when added back to the hot sauce. Let cream cheese come to room temperature before starting to prevent lumps. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. The lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and should not be skipped.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon pasta, creamy salmon pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, 30-minute meal, pasta recipe, salmon recipe

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-30-minute-salmon-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes/