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Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender salmon coated in a delicate lemon dill cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked al dente pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an elegant yet easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 4 ounces uncooked pasta

Salmon

  • 1/2 pound fresh salmon
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Flour, for dredging

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley
  • Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain when ready and set aside. It is suggested to start the sauce preparation as soon as the water is boiling to save time.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon evenly with salt and pepper, then dredge it lightly in flour to coat all sides.
  3. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the salmon and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
  4. Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Allow the mixture to bubble for about 30 seconds to infuse the flavors, then reduce the heat to medium.
  5. Finish the Sauce with Salmon and Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh dill, then return the salmon to the pan. Using a spoon, break the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Combine with Pasta and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Cooking the pasta and the sauce simultaneously saves time and ensures the pasta doesn’t sit too long before serving.
  • Dredging the salmon in flour helps create a delicate crust and thickens the sauce slightly when cooked together.
  • Use fresh dill for the best flavor impact, but dried dill can be used if fresh is unavailable (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
  • Parmesan cheese pairs beautifully as a garnish but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially after adding chicken broth and cream.