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Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon is a simple, fresh, and vibrant dish combining tender pasta, succulent salmon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and bright lemon zest and juice. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it offers a balanced and flavorful meal that is nutritious, versatile, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 4 skinless, boneless fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended)

Vegetables and Flavorings

  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Oils and Cheese

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta to adjust the sauce consistency later.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down if skin is on, and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavor. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest, stirring thoroughly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the noodles beautifully. Flake the salmon into large chunks and fold in carefully to avoid breaking it up too much.
  5. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta. Give everything a final light toss and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the salmon; it should remain moist and flake easily.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce without losing flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best brightness and flavor.
  • Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute flavor evenly.
  • Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the dish.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce and salmon.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon pasta, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free seafood pasta, healthy pasta recipes