Salmon & Pea Pasta: A Quick and Tasty Dinner

Salmon & Pea Pasta is a creamy, satisfying dish that comes together in just one pan and under 30 minutes. Flaky pieces of salmon and tender green peas are tossed with pasta in a light, flavorful sauce that’s rich without being heavy. It’s a perfect go-to meal when I need something quick, comforting, and full of fresh flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it’s fast, easy, and checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner. The salmon adds protein and richness, while the peas bring a touch of sweetness and color. It’s creamy, but not too indulgent, and everything cooks in a straightforward, no-fuss process. It also reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
salmon fillet, cooked and flaked
frozen peas
olive oil or butter
garlic, minced
shallot or onion, finely chopped
heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese, grated
lemon juice
salt
black pepper
fresh dill or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic and shallot until soft and fragrant.

3. I stir in the peas and cook for a few minutes until heated through.

4. I pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

5. I add the flaked salmon to the sauce and let it warm through.

6. I toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up if needed.

7. I serve it hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I use smoked salmon instead of fresh for a bolder flavor. I’ve swapped peas for spinach, broccoli, or asparagus depending on what I have on hand. For a lighter version, I use milk or a mix of broth and a touch of cream. If I want to make it more filling, I toss in some cooked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to keep the sauce creamy. It microwaves well, too, but I stir halfway through to keep everything evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, I’ve used canned salmon in a pinch. I just drain it well and flake it into the sauce at the end, just like with fresh.

Is this pasta kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy sauce and sweet peas make it a hit with kids. I sometimes skip the lemon and herbs if I’m serving picky eaters.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan substitute. It still turns out creamy and flavorful.

What pasta shape works best?

I like short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, but long pasta like fettuccine also works great with this sauce.

Do I need to cook the salmon separately?

I usually cook it ahead (pan-seared or baked) and flake it in at the end. But I’ve also poached it in the cream sauce for a one-pan method that works well.

Conclusion

Salmon & Pea Pasta is one of those dinners I keep coming back to—easy, flavorful, and ready in no time. It’s balanced, creamy, and comforting without being overly rich. Whether I’m using leftover salmon or cooking it fresh, this dish always delivers a delicious and wholesome meal I can count on.

Salmon & Pea Pasta: A Quick and Tasty Dinner

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Salmon & Pea Pasta is a creamy, one-pan pasta dish made with flaked salmon, sweet green peas, and a light cream sauce. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred shape)
• 1 salmon fillet, cooked and flaked
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot or 1/4 onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and shallot until soft and fragrant.
3. Add peas and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Add flaked salmon and gently warm through.
6. Add pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

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Notes

• Use smoked or canned salmon for convenience and variety.
• Swap peas with spinach, broccoli, or asparagus as alternatives.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan.
• Adjust creaminess by adding pasta water gradually.
• Great for leftovers and meal prep—reheats well with a splash of liquid.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg