Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta: just the name conjures up images of sunshine, fresh herbs, and a perfectly balanced meal, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, because it’s not just a dish; it’s an experience. Imagine twirling strands of pasta coated in a creamy, bright sauce, punctuated by flakes of tender salmon and the refreshing zest of lemon and dill.

While pasta with seafood has a long and storied history, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine, this specific combination of lemon, dill, and salmon offers a modern twist on classic flavors. Salmon, prized for its rich flavor and health benefits, pairs beautifully with the herbaceous dill and the tangy lemon, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.

What makes this Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of elegance and ease. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The creamy sauce is decadent without being heavy, and the combination of flavors is simply divine. People adore this dish because it’s a comforting, flavorful, and relatively healthy meal that satisfies on every level. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your liking. Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated pasta dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off, your preference!
• 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work great)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Salmon:

Okay, let’s get started with the star of the show – the salmon! I like to use a good quality salmon fillet for this recipe. Whether you prefer skin on or off is totally up to you. I often go skin-off for easier preparation, but the skin crisps up nicely if you choose to keep it on.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the salmon cooks evenly and beautifully.
2. Prepare the salmon fillet. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps it get a nice sear. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really brings out the flavor of the salmon.
3. Sear the salmon (optional, but recommended). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillet in the skillet, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on. Sear for about 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If you’re using skin-off salmon, sear for about 2-3 minutes per side. This searing step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the salmon.
4. Bake the salmon. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet. You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C). If you skipped the searing step, you can simply place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake it directly.
5. Flake the salmon. Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using a fork, gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

While the salmon is baking, let’s get the pasta going. I find that linguine or fettuccine work best with this sauce, but penne or any other pasta shape you like will do just fine.

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian – the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
2. Reserve pasta water. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
3. Drain the pasta. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Making the Lemon Dill Sauce:

Now for the magic – the lemon dill sauce! This sauce is so bright, fresh, and flavorful. It’s the perfect complement to the rich salmon and pasta.

1. Sauté the garlic. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet you used to sear the salmon (or a clean skillet) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. Deglaze with white wine. Pour in the dry white wine and bring to a simmer. Let the wine reduce for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has reduced by half. This step helps to concentrate the flavors of the wine and adds a lovely depth to the sauce.
3. Add the heavy cream. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, dill, and lemon zest. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and lemon zest. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the cream, while the dill adds a fresh, herbaceous note. The lemon zest intensifies the lemon flavor.
5. Add the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory element to the sauce and helps to thicken it further.
6. Season to taste. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
7. Adjust the sauce consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it over low heat until it thickens.

Assembling the Dish:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together and create this delicious Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta.

1. Add the pasta to the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon dill sauce and toss to coat. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Add the flaked salmon. Gently fold in the flaked salmon. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to break the salmon into too small pieces.
3. Serve immediately. Serve the Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. A lemon wedge on the side is also a nice touch.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the sauce. Asparagus, peas, or spinach would all be great additions. Sauté the vegetables with the garlic before adding the wine.
• Use different herbs: If you’re not a fan of dill, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add capers: A tablespoon or two of capers adds a briny, salty flavor that complements the lemon and dill beautifully. Add them to the sauce along with the lemon juice and zest.
• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of salmon.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta as much as I do! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Bon appétit!

Conclusion:

This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that will leave you craving more. The bright, zesty lemon, the fresh, herbaceous dill, and the flaky, perfectly cooked salmon all come together in a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Honestly, I think it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meals.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. While I adore it with linguine, it’s equally delicious with fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free option like chickpea pasta. For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche at the end. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Looking for some serving suggestions? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment. Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli would also be fantastic additions. And for a truly decadent touch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.

If you’re not a fan of dill (though I highly recommend giving it a try!), you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon. You can also use different types of salmon, such as sockeye or coho, depending on your preference and availability. For a vegetarian option, you could easily substitute the salmon with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The beauty of cooking is that it’s all about experimentation and finding what you love. This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is a fantastic base, and I encourage you to personalize it to your liking.

I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta as much as I do.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made the recipe your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this simple, yet elegant, pasta dish. Let me know how your Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta turns out!