10 Simple Salmon Pasta Recipes for Dinner

If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge thinking, “I want something delicious but also something that won’t drain my entire remaining willpower,” welcome — you’re in the right place.

Salmon pasta is that magical weeknight hero that feels fancy without demanding a culinary degree. These dishes hit that perfect sweet spot of creamy, zesty, savory, and “wow, I made this?” energy.

Whether you’re craving comfort food, something bright and fresh, or a quick dinner that doesn’t turn your kitchen into a disaster zone, these ten salmon pasta recipes will make you look like you planned dinner… even if you absolutely did not.

And if your taste buds need a little excitement after a long day, IMO these recipes are the upgrade they’ve been waiting for.

1. Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

This creamy garlic salmon pasta tastes like the kind of dish you order at a restaurant and pretend you’re not going to finish… and then finish. It’s rich, silky, and packed with flavor from the sautéed garlic and tender salmon.

I made a version of this once with less garlic and instantly regretted it — trust me, garlic is the backbone here. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for nights when you want your dinner to hug you back.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
  
• Pasta (linguine or fettuccine works great)
  
• Garlic cloves, minced
  
• Heavy cream
  
• Parmesan cheese, grated
  
• Olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• Fresh parsley
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions.
   
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
   
3. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
   
4. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until creamy.
   
5. Fold in the flaked salmon.
   
6. Combine the sauce with the pasta and toss until coated.
   
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
   

Why You’ll Love It

The sauce clings to every strand of pasta, and the garlic flavor is bold without overpowering the salmon. It’s easy, reliable, and one of those recipes you’ll keep making on repeat because it always hits the spot.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick.
  
• Serving idea: Pair with a simple side salad for a perfectly balanced dinner.
  

2. Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta

If you want brightness and freshness in every bite, this lemon butter salmon pasta is your new weeknight savior. The tangy lemon, buttery sauce, and flaky salmon create a combo that feels light yet luxurious.

This one is great for those days when you’re craving something refreshing but still want real food — not carrot sticks pretending to be dinner.

Ingredients

• Salmon, cooked and flaked
  
• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
  
• Butter
  
• Lemon juice
  
• Lemon zest
  
• Garlic
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• Fresh basil
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook your pasta until al dente.
   
2. Melt butter in a skillet and add garlic until fragrant.
   
3. Add lemon juice and zest to the pan.
   
4. Stir in the flaked salmon.
   
5. Toss the sauce with the pasta until evenly coated.
   
6. Season and garnish with fresh basil.
   

Why You’ll Love It

The lemon adds a zesty pop that cuts through the richness of the salmon. It’s the perfect “I want something delicious but not heavy” dinner.

Tips

• Quick tip: Use fresh lemon, not bottled — it makes a massive difference.
  
• Serving idea: Great with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.
  

3. Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta

This salmon pasta feels like something you’d serve to impress a guest… or yourself. The combo of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach is downright addictive.

I once used too many sun-dried tomatoes and accidentally made it tomato-dominant, but honestly, it still tasted incredible.

Ingredients

• Salmon, cooked and flaked
  
• Pasta (penne or bowtie pasta)
  
• Heavy cream
  
• Garlic
  
• Sun-dried tomatoes
  
• Spinach
  
• Parmesan
  
• Olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook your pasta and set aside.
   
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
   
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, letting the spinach wilt.
   
4. Pour in the cream and simmer.
   
5. Add Parmesan and stir until creamy.
   
6. Fold in salmon.
   
7. Toss everything together.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with bold flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy brightness that balances the richness perfectly.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth.
  
• Serving idea: Works beautifully for meal prep — reheats like a dream.
  

4. One-Pot Salmon Alfredo Pasta

If washing dishes is your arch nemesis (same), this one-pot salmon Alfredo will be your hero. Everything cooks in one pan, including the pasta, which soaks up all the creamy Alfredo goodness. The salmon melts into the sauce, making every bite smooth and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Salmon, flaked
  
• Pasta
  
• Milk or cream
  
• Butter
  
• Parmesan
  
• Garlic
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• Parsley
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add pasta, milk, butter, and garlic to a pot.
   
2. Simmer until the pasta softens and absorbs most of the liquid.
   
3. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
   
4. Add flaked salmon.
   
5. Season and garnish.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s cozy, creamy, and ridiculously easy. The one-pot method gives it richer flavor because the pasta cooks right in the sauce.

Tips

• Quick tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with garlic bread if you want the ultimate comfort meal.
  

5. Spicy Cajun Salmon Pasta

This pasta brings the heat — the kind that wakes up your taste buds in the best way. Cajun seasoning adds smoky, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon. I once tried making this with mild seasoning, and honestly, it tasted like the boring cousin of the real thing. Don’t fear the spice here.

Ingredients

• Salmon, seasoned and cooked
  
• Pasta
  
• Cajun seasoning
  
• Cream or half-and-half
  
• Garlic
  
• Olive oil
  
• Parmesan
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
   
2. Season salmon generously with Cajun seasoning and cook.
   
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic.
   
4. Add cream and more Cajun seasoning.
   
5. Stir in Parmesan.
   
6. Add salmon and pasta.
   
7. Toss to combine.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s spicy, smoky, and comforting. The Cajun seasoning infuses every part of the dish with bold flavor.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  
• Serving idea: Pair with corn salad or sautéed vegetables.
  

6. Pesto Salmon Pasta

Pesto lovers, this one’s calling your name. The herbiness of pesto meets the richness of salmon, and the combo hits harder than you’d expect. It’s bright, savory, and perfect for warm evenings when you want something flavorful but not heavy.

Ingredients

• Salmon, flaked
  
• Pasta (fusilli or penne)
  
• Basil pesto
  
• Cherry tomatoes
  
• Olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta and drain.
   
2. Add pesto to the warm pasta.
   
3. Fold in salmon.
   
4. Add cherry tomatoes for freshness.
   
5. Toss gently and season.
   

Why You’ll Love It

The pesto coats every piece of pasta beautifully, and the tomatoes add the perfect juicy contrast.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
  
• Serving idea: Serve cold as a pasta salad for busy days.
  

7. Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta

This creamy salmon spinach pasta is the definition of comfort with a hint of freshness. The spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color and mild flavor without taking over. This is the one I make when I want something warm and cozy that still feels kinda healthy-ish.

Ingredients

• Salmon, flaked
  
• Pasta
  
• Cream
  
• Garlic
  
• Spinach
  
• Parmesan
  
• Olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
   
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
   
3. Add cream and simmer.
   
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
   
5. Add Parmesan.
   
6. Fold in salmon.
   
7. Combine with pasta.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s creamy but not too heavy, thanks to the spinach. The flavors balance beautifully.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg for subtle warmth.
  
• Serving idea: Works well with roasted carrots or green beans.
  

8. Tomato Basil Salmon Pasta

If you want something lighter and more tomato-forward, this recipe hits perfectly. The bright basil and savory tomato sauce pair amazingly with salmon. It reminds me of summer dinners when you want flavor without heaviness.

Ingredients

• Salmon, flaked
  
• Pasta
  
• Tomato-based pasta sauce
  
• Garlic
  
• Basil
  
• Parmesan
  
• Olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta and drain.
   
2. Warm tomato sauce in a pan.
   
3. Add garlic and simmer briefly.
   
4. Fold in salmon.
   
5. Toss with pasta.
   
6. Add basil and Parmesan.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s fresh, flavorful, and lighter than cream-based pastas. The basil adds the perfect aromatic finish.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add chopped fresh tomatoes for extra texture.
  
• Serving idea: Great with garlic roasted zucchini.
  

9. Cream Cheese Salmon Pasta

Cream cheese might sound unusual for pasta, but trust me — it creates the smoothest, velvety sauce. It melts into a creamy, tangy base that hugs the salmon beautifully. I once used low-fat cream cheese for this and instantly regretted it. Go for the real thing.

Ingredients

• Salmon, flaked
  
• Pasta
  
• Cream cheese
  
• Garlic
  
• Lemon zest
  
• Milk
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
   
2. Melt cream cheese with a splash of milk.
   
3. Add garlic and lemon zest.
   
4. Stir until smooth.
   
5. Fold in salmon.
   
6. Toss with pasta.
   

Why You’ll Love It

The cream cheese creates a tangy, creamy sauce that sticks to every bite. It’s comfort food done right.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
  
• Serving idea: Ideal with steamed green peas.
  

10. Garlic Mushroom Salmon Pasta

Garlic, mushrooms, and salmon — it’s like the holy trinity of comfort flavors. The mushrooms add earthiness, the garlic brings the aroma, and the salmon gives richness. I make this on nights when I want something deeply savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Salmon, flaked
  
• Pasta
  
• Mushrooms, sliced
  
• Garlic
  
• Butter
  
• Cream
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• Parsley
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
   
2. Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned.
   
3. Add garlic and cook briefly.
   
4. Pour in cream and simmer.
   
5. Fold in salmon.
   
6. Toss with pasta.
   
7. Season and serve.
   

Why You’ll Love It

The mushrooms add a rich, savory vibe that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. It tastes fancy but requires zero fancy skills.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add thyme to boost the mushroom flavor.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a crisp salad.
  

Conclusion

These ten simple salmon pasta recipes prove that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be downright amazing. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something creamy, zesty, spicy, or wonderfully comforting — whatever your mood calls for.

Whether you’re feeding family, treating yourself, or making enough leftovers to survive tomorrow’s lunch, these recipes deliver flavor without fuss.

And the best part? They make you look effortlessly impressive in the kitchen, even on the nights when you’re barely functioning. That, my friend, is dinner magic in its finest form.