If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes and flaky, flavorful seafood, this salmon Alfredo pasta will become a fast favorite. It brings together tender salmon fillets, smooth Alfredo sauce, and al dente fettuccine for a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or need an easy recipe that impresses guests, this dish checks every box. With a handful of pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you can make a restaurant-quality salmon Alfredo pasta right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
This creamy salmon Alfredo pasta uses simple ingredients that deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what you need to make it from scratch:
For the Salmon:
• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) – fresh or thawed
• 1 tbsp olive oil – for pan-searing
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning – adds subtle spice and depth
• ½ tsp salt – to season the fillets
• ¼ tsp black pepper – for balance
For the Pasta and Sauce:
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta – cooked al dente
• 3 tbsp butter – to start the sauce base
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds aroma and flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream – for a rich, creamy texture
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved) – helps thicken and bind the sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – creates extra creaminess
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese – adds salty, nutty flavor
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens the dish
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley – for garnish and freshness
Optional Add-Ins:
• Extra parmesan – for topping
• Lemon zest – for a fresh citrus boost
• Red pepper flakes – for heat if desired
These ingredients come together to make a creamy, satisfying salmon Alfredo pasta recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make salmon Alfredo pasta that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Step 1: Cook the fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Season the salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry. Season the salmon on both sides with cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Sear the salmon
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear for about 4 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, or until the center is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Start the Alfredo sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add 3 tbsp butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Make it creamy
Add heavy cream and softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add parmesan and pasta water
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Add lemon and adjust
Mix in the lemon juice for brightness. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 8: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Let the sauce and pasta heat together for 1–2 minutes.
Step 9: Flake and add the salmon
Gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and fold them into the pasta. Alternatively, place whole fillets on top for presentation.
Step 10: Serve and garnish
Plate the creamy salmon Alfredo pasta, then garnish with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or extra parmesan if desired.
This creamy Alfredo salmon dish is best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently for later.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Alfredo Pasta:
• Use fresh salmon when possible: It delivers better flavor and texture than frozen. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid helps thicken the sauce and makes it cling better to the fettuccine.
• Don’t overcook the salmon: Cook just until it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooked salmon can become dry and lose its buttery texture.
• Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This prevents clumps and ensures a smooth creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Flake the salmon gently: Stir it into the pasta just before serving so it doesn’t break apart too much or get lost in the sauce.
Tasty Variations to Try:
• Cajun salmon Alfredo: Add more cajun seasoning to the sauce or use blackened salmon for a spicier twist.
• Lemon garlic Alfredo: Increase the lemon juice and add a bit of zest to highlight the citrus flavor. It’s perfect with seafood.
• Smoked salmon Alfredo pasta: Use hot smoked salmon instead of pan-seared for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for a boost of color and nutrients.
• Switch the pasta: Try penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon Alfredo pasta is rich, comforting, and satisfying on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the meal into something even more memorable:
• Fresh side salad: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing. The acidity balances the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Garlic bread or baguette: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra Alfredo sauce.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a healthy, colorful side dish that pairs well with creamy salmon pasta.
• White wine pairing: A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the richness of the parmesan and the salmon.
• Lighter appetizer: Start with a simple appetizer like bruschetta or marinated olives to keep the focus on the main course.
Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish feels complete and satisfying with just a few thoughtfully chosen extras.
Unbelievably Creamy Salmon Alfredo Pasta to Crave Now
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 fillets Salmon About 6 oz each
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz Fettuccine pasta Cooked al dente
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Pasta water Reserved from cooking
- 4 oz Cream cheese Softened
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Parsley Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry. Season both sides with cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in grated parmesan and the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon.
- Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce until fully coated. Let it heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Gently flake the salmon and stir into the pasta, or serve fillets whole on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and optional lemon zest or extra parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- Calories: 620
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 490mg
- Potassium: 570mg
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Vitamin A: 750IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
Conclusion
This salmon Alfredo pasta brings together everything you want in a comforting dinner—tender salmon, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy night. With basic ingredients like parmesan, cream, and lemon, you can create a flavorful, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with the delicate flakes of salmon.
Whether you’re craving something cozy or need an impressive meal fast, this recipe delivers. Keep it simple or try one of the easy variations to make it your own. Once you taste how creamy, balanced, and satisfying this pasta is, you’ll want to make it again and again.
FAQs
What flavours go with salmon?
Salmon pairs well with fresh, bright flavors like lemon, garlic, dill, and parsley. It also complements rich ingredients like butter, cream, and parmesan, which makes it perfect for creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo.
How to make Alfredo better?
To improve Alfredo sauce, use high-quality parmesan cheese, a touch of garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for balance. Pasta water helps adjust the consistency, while cream cheese adds extra richness and smoothness.
Can you eat salmon with mayonnaise?
Yes, salmon pairs well with mayonnaise, especially in cold dishes like salmon salad or sandwiches. However, for hot pasta dishes like this one, creamy sauces such as Alfredo or lemon butter are better suited.
What can I add to Alfredo sauce?
You can add flavor to Alfredo sauce with ingredients like garlic, cajun seasoning, lemon juice, cream cheese, or herbs such as parsley and basil. You can also stir in spinach or mushrooms for added texture and depth.
