Indulge your taste buds with a culinary delight that transports you straight to the heart of Italy! Our Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines the richness of salmon with the zesty brightness of lemon and the aromatic freshness of dill. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, dreamy dish that will impress your family and friends alike. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp. Carefully flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily.
- Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
- Gently break salmon into large flakes using a fork. Add cooked pasta to the cream sauce and toss to coat evenly. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Fold in salmon flakes and chopped fresh dill, stirring gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with extra fresh dill and a lemon wedge if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: For a perfectly cooked salmon fillet, aim for a golden crust on the skin side and a tender, flaky interior. Don’t overcook it; salmon should be just cooked through.
- Cream Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess. This water adds flavor and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh dill and a freshly squeezed lemon for the best flavor. Dried herbs and bottled lemon juice can’t replicate that vibrant taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your pasta in warm bowls and consider garnishing with additional dill and a lemon wedge for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color, or swap out the salmon for shrimp or chicken if you prefer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
