CREAMY PASTA ALFREDO WITH SALMON

This incredible Creamy Pasta Alfredo With Salmon is a must try!
Featuring flavorful, tender pieces of salmon alongside silky pasta, that’s coated in a creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce. This dish bursts with so much flavor!
The best part? You can have it ready in less than 30 minutes!
A perfect choice for those busy weeknights! You in?

Looking for more Quick and Easy Dinners? Try my Hot and Spicy Shrimp, Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice OR my Pan Seared Fish with Cherry Tomatoes recipe!

I can have a delicious, Creamy Pasta Alfredo with Salmon dinner, loaded with flavor, in less than 30 minutes? Let’s do this!

My Story

Growing up in Australia has given me the opportunity to experience many different cuisines, and I’ve grown especially fond of Italian food!
I mean, if I had to pick just one carb to enjoy for the rest of my life, hands down it would be pasta!
The quality of local produce in Australia, is also another highlight, with the salmon available here being exceptional! If you know me, you know the seafood market is my favorite place and a quality piece of fish is on the top of my list! Have you checked out my Pan Seared Fish with Cherry Tomatoes OR this Kerala Fish Curry recipe? They’re pretty amazing!
This Creamy Salmon Pasta With Alfredo Sauce is a good idea for an easy dinner recipe, that combines both my loves, fish and creamy, silky pasta.
The best of both world’s you know?
Moreover, my optional serving method adds a bit of elegance, it’s a great way to take spaghetti up a notch!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Recipe Ingredients:

What you’ll need to make this incredible Creamy Salmon Pasta With Alfredo Sauce recipe:

Ingredient Notes:

Pasta: fettuccine is the traditional choice for this dish, but I personally prefer using spaghetti – it works wonderfully! I prefer long pastas for this dish, though you can use any pasta you like!;

Salmon: fresh salmon is the star protein, adding richness, flavor and nutritional value to the dish;

Soy Sauce: enhances umami, balances flavors, and adds depth to the salmon, making it more flavorful and well-seasoned. It perfectly complements the creamy Alfredo sauce;

Kecap Manis: like soy sauce, while not traditionally Italian, I love incorporating it into my salmon marinade for its sweetness and depth of flavor. It plays a key role in balancing the salty and savory elements, creating a well-rounded flavor profile;

Onion: adds a subtle sweetness to the dish which contributes to balancing the flavors;

Plain Flour: the thickening agent for the sauce. When you cook the flour with butter/oil to create a roux, it gives the Alfredo sauce its creamy and smooth consistency. The flour thickens the sauce, making it rich and velvety, so it can coat the pasta evenly;

Milk: milk serves as the liquid base for the sauce, providing a creamy and smooth texture. It lightens the sauce, making it less heavy than using cream alone, while still maintaining a luscious creaminess;

Heavy Cream: adds rich, velvety texture and enhances the buttery flavor of the sauce, making it smooth and indulgent;

Parmesan Cheese: adds a salty, nutty flavor that deepens the richness of the sauce. It also helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency, and enhances the overall savory taste of the dish;

Spices: a quick marination of the salmon in aromatic spices infuses the dish with bold, irresistible flavors! Old Bay Seasoning is perfect for marinating seafood and adding dried oregano in the sauce takes the flavors up a notch!

How To Make CREAMY PASTA ALFREDO WITH SALMON: Step-By-Step

Here are some quick visual instructions. The full instructions with the exact ingredients are printable in the recipe card below!

Step 1: Add pasta into a large pot of water and follow package directions to cook pasta till al dente. Reserve pasta cooking water.

Step 2: Using a sharp knife, slice salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Allow to marinate in soy sauce, kecap manis, spices and lemon juice, whilst preparing the pasta sauce.

Step 3: To make the delicious creamy Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a large skillet and add olive oil, then sauté onion and minced garlic till golden.

Step 4: Add plain flour, mix and cook 2 minutes to make a roux.

Step 5: Add milk, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and dried oregano, mix to combine and stir continuously until thickened.

Step 6: Once the sauce has thickened, add cooked pasta and ladle in a large spoon of reserved pasta water, add more if required to bring the sauce to your desired consistency – mix together.

Step 7: Heat olive oil in a pan and place in marinated pieces of salmon. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, until they have a nice brown sear and are tender.

Step 8: Optional – arrange pasta on serving plate, drizzle over sauce, place over salmon and garnish with chopped herbs like fresh parsley, chives or cilantro.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

TIP 1 – COOK PASTA AL DENTE: cook the pasta just until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). It will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce, so you don’t want it to be too soft.

TIP 2 – MAKE HIGH-QUALITY ALFREDO SAUCE: the sauce brings the dish together, so for a rich and creamy sauce, use high-quality ingredients. I always have a block of parmesan cheese on hand so I can freshly grate it over my pasta dishes. Avoid pre-grated cheese, which can be less creamy and lack gourmet flavor.

TIP 3: SERVE IMMEDIATELY: Serve this Salmon Alfredo Pasta right away while it’s hot and creamy. The sauce can thicken as it cools, so fresh is the best way to enjoy it!

PREPARATION TIP: CONSISTENCY AND PASTA WATER
if the Alfredo sauce is too thick, gradually add small amounts of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency!

Watch How To Make It!

Storage & Reheating

Reheating: Reheating this pasta in the microwave is the quickest and easiest option. You could also reheat it on the stove top. If the sauce has become quite thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk, cream or pasta water;

Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers for the next day – store this Creamy Pasta Alfredo with Salmon in the refrigerator for upto 3 days. Store in a glass pyrex or decor airtight container to avoid plastic storage options where possible;

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it. To maintain the best quality, freeze in an airtight container and use within 2-3 months. Reheat gently to maintain the best possible texture. In saying that, I am not a fan of freezing this pasta as the texture and flavor of both the pasta and salmon change, once frozen and reheated.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions – Here are some ingredients you can add to this Creamy Pasta Alfredo With Salmon Recipe:

• Veggies: you can add most odd veggies you may have in the back of your fridge drawer. Some examples include, baby spinach, mushroom, bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli florets or add leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end;
• Toasted Nuts: toasted, chopped nuts sprinkled on top add a buttery crunch and provide a hearty texture and nutty flavor. Some great options include pine nuts and walnuts;
• Grated Parmesan: if you’re like me and love Parmesan, grate extra on top for a cheesy finish;
• Lemon or Lime Wedges: serve on the side for a burst of fresh citrus.

Substitutions – Feel free to use any of these substitutions to help you tailor the recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences:

• Type of Pasta:
  – Gluten-Free Pasta:  use if you need to avoid gluten;
  – Whole Wheat Pasta: for a healthier alternative with more fiber;
  – Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) or Spaghetti Squash: for a low-carb noodles alternative and veggie twist.
  
  
• Salmon:
  – Chicken: grilled/baked, chicken breast or thigh can replace salmon for a different protein;
  – Shrimp: sautéed shrimp offers a seafood alternative with a similar flavor profile;
  – Tofu: for a vegetarian option, use firm tofu seasoned and pan-fried.
  
  
• Heavy Cream:
  – Half-and-Half: a lighter option, though the sauce may be less creamy;
  – Coconut Milk: Adds a slight coconut flavor and is a good non-dairy alternative.
  
  
• Parmesan Cheese:
  – Pecorino Romano: offers a similar salty and tangy flavor;
  – Grana Padano: a milder alternative to Parmesan;
  – Nutritional Yeast: for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor.
  
  
• Garlic: use garlic powder as a quick substitute, though fresh garlic is preferred for flavor.
  
  
• Butter:
  – Olive Oil: instead of using both butter and olive oil, use extra-virgin olive oil only, for a healthier option and a different flavor profile;
  – Ghee: Clarified butter that is lactose-free and has a nutty flavor.
  
  
• Flour (for roux):
  – Cornstarch: mix with water to form a slurry and use as the thickening agent;
  – Arrowroot Powder: another slurry, thickening alternative that works well in sauces.
  
  
• Lemon Juice:
  – Rice Wine Vinegar: provides acidity and brightness similar to lemon juice;
  – Apple Cider Vinegar: adds a touch of acidity and a slightly fruity flavor.
  
  
• Fresh Herbs:
  – Dried Herbs: like basil or parsley in place of fresh, though they are more concentrated;
  – Herb Blends: italian seasoning can be a good substitute for a blend of herbs.
  
  
• Spices:
  – Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: use in place of black pepper for a spicy kick;
  – Paprika: add to salmon marinade for a mild, smoky flavor to vary the taste profile;
  – Old Bay Seasoning: replace with cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Your Questions Answered

More Dinner Recipes You’ll Love!

I hope you enjoyed this delicious Salmon Alfredo recipe! If you gave this creamy salmon pasta a try, please be sure to leave a comment and rating! I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy Cooking!