My creamy lemon and fresh tomato salmon pasta is an easy and fresh (yet decadent!) pasta dish that's ready in only 20 minutes.
My creamy garlic salmon pasta has done really well (I hope I didn't just jinx it!), and I wanted to do something similar in this tomato salmon pasta.
Although salmon is versatile and I like to prepare it several different ways, enjoying it with pasta and a creamy sauce is probably my all-time favorite way of cooking it.
Salmon pasta is so quick and easy and typically tastes like it's more complicated to make than it is!
I love seafood pasta. When I'm anywhere near a coast, I order copious amounts of it since normally I'm landlocked and don't usually have access to the best seafood. It's not like you can't get seafood here, but it's just not the same as being right there. You can find pretty good salmon here, so that's my go-to when I'm craving something from the ocean. Something about seafood pasta hits the spot for me.
The lemon and tomato make this a comforting yet light and fresh meal. A little bit of Dijon mustard is my not-so-secret ingredient (you'll see it a lot if you read this blog often) for adding more depth of flavor.
Aaaand of course garlic is in here because it's basically my lifeblood. 😉
Love creamy salmon recipes? You'll probably like my creamy Tuscan salmon or my creamy salmon piccata.
Recipe notes & tips:
- You can buy salmon with the skin on or already taken off. If you bought salmon with the skin on and don't want to eat it, you can simply peel it off after you've done the searing step... it's really easy to do that.
- I love my Microplane zester/grater to zest the lemon and grate parmesan cheese.
- I used spaghetti for this creamy salmon pasta recipe, but feel free to sub with any pasta you choose.
I hope you enjoy this easy salmon pasta recipe as much as I did! I really need to make it again soon.
That lemon-tomato-cream sauce is the best, really.
More salmon pasta recipes you may like:
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about this fresh salmon pasta recipe!
Creamy Lemon and Fresh Tomato Salmon Pasta
My creamy lemon and fresh tomato salmon pasta is an easy and fresh (yet decadent!) pasta dish that's ready in only 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces uncooked spaghetti (or other pasta)
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning or to taste
- Salt & pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Juice and zest of 1/2 medium lemon (about 1 tbsp juice)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
Boil a salted pot of water and cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
-
Sprinkle both sides of the salmon with Italian seasoning and salt & pepper, to taste.
- Add oil and butter to a skillet on medium heat. Sear salmon for 3 minutes/side. Remove salmon from pan and set aside.
- Add the tomato, cream, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the parmesan.
-
Add the salmon back into the pan, and use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, toss it with the sauce. Serve with parsley and some extra grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Recipe Notes
- I don't recommend subbing the cream with half-and-half or milk because the sauce is likely to curdle due to the amount of citrus in this recipe.
Amanda Rush says
This is incredibly tasty! Restaurant quality. Def a keeper.
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that, Amanda! Thanks for commenting! XO
Danielle says
I am in love with this recipe and didn't even make it yet! Love your website!
Natasha says
Thank you, Danielle! 🙂
Natasha says
Cooked this tonight for my fussy family and we all loved it! Highly recommend 😊 I added some baby spinach to give a bit of colour and doubled the quantity it was perfect!
Natasha says
Yay!! Great!
Emma says
Hi!! This recipe looks lush, I was just wondering if it would make a difference if I substituted the cream for creme fraiche? Would the quantities be different? Thanks 🙂
Natasha says
Hi! The flavor and texture will be different (more tangy), and I'm worried that the creme fraiche may curdle. I really can't say re: the quantity without testing. I'd add a couple dollops erring on the side of less vs. more and add more if needed. I'd probably add it in closer to the end of cooking and not let it boil.
Chelsea says
What do you think about adding a bit of vermouth? How much? I’m trying to recreate a recipe I made about 10 years ago and yours is the closest one yet!!
Natasha says
Hmmm.... I think that could be tasty! Maybe like 1/4 cup to start with and then give it a taste? I honestly don’t know but now I’m intrigued.
Elizabeth De Arazoza says
Wow! So delicious!!!
I followed the recipe except for the cream. I am lactose intolerant, and luckily the Parmesan cheese is lactose free so I added a bit more. I enjoyed it so much! Thank you!!!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you were able to make it work! 🙂 XO
Reagan says
Fantastic recipe! I used fusilli pasta and didn’t have cream, so substituted 2% Skyr/Greek yoghurt, and mixed the lemon and yoghurt prior to adding to the pan. No curdling and turned out great. Plus some extra hidden protein 😉 Very delicious and easy to make, will definitely be having this again! Thanks 🙂
Natasha says
So glad you liked it! 🙂 Thank you!
Megan R Nola says
Hey! I only have grape tomatoes - will that work? Don't want to have to go to the store under the circumstances right now and I have everything else!
Thank you 😊
Natasha says
Sure, that's fine 🙂
Blake K says
Ive cooked this recipe about 10 times since finding it some 6 months ago. family and friends LOVE it and it is easy to make. I've added Portabella mushrooms and some sundried tomatoes to it. I'm just here printing the recipe as we have guests over tonight and I cant let them see my laptop out following the EASY recipe (I'm a 56 year old man just really trying to start to learn cooking and am always worried about messing up the ingredients or ???? LOL )
thank you for this recipe.
Natasha says
Haha I’m so glad the recipe is a hit with you!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write me a comment. ☺️
Corey Williams says
I made this last night and LOVED it. My daughter and son were negotiating for the leftovers today. I did add three spiralized yellow squash noodles to my pasta so I had extra hidden veggies.
Natasha says
Wonderful!! So glad everyone liked it haha.
Cathy says
The best recipe for salmon! Love it!
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!
Ros K says
Made this tonight to use up some leftover cedar planked salmon. I usually avoid dishes with cream but was well worth it. Plus a little glass of rose.
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Ros!
Ivana says
I have made this a bunch of time since discovering. I like to add a bit more Dijon and lemon as I like to have a kick to it. My seven year old son loves it, although usually picks out the bigger salmon pieces.
I have used a variety of substitute ingredients, always tasty but never as much as the real ones!
Some options if you’re missing ingredients
-I didn’t have tomatoes, rinsed out canned plum tomato and chucked that in instead.
- I used limes instead of lemon
- I used grated mature cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan
Natasha says
Thank you, Ivana! So glad it's a hit in your house. Thanks for the suggestions!
Charlotte Callaghan says
I've made this recipe a couple of times and we love it! Nice to have tomatoes in a creamy pasta recipe - surprising how few recipes do! Easy and tasty 🙂
Natasha says
So happy to hear that! I know, it's such an easy addition but totally brightens the sauce up! 🙂
Mitch says
Fantastic recipe! Especially since it’s so quick and easy - not to mention tasty.
Natasha says
So glad you liked it, Mitch!
Theresa says
This dish is absolutely delicious !! We love it !! Its a favourite from now on !!
Natasha says
Wonderful! 💕
Gavin says
You know what happens if you find that -
You have no tomatoes, but you do have peas. Sweet, tiny little frozen peas;
You have no parsley, but you do have basil;
You decide to throw in a capful of white vermouth per serving when blending the sauce;
You have no Parmesan, but you do have Pecorino Romano?
Lovely things happen, that's what. Love from Manchester, UK.
Natasha says
Wonderful! ❤️
Diane says
My daughter has cooked this for us twice and I cooked it tonight. It’s delicious and so easy to make. It will definitely be a regular favourite for me and my husband. Thanks!
Natasha says
Excellent... I am very pleased to hear that, Diane! Thanks for letting me know. 😀
Jessica says
If using fresh pasta, can you just add it to the cooking sauce?
Natasha says
Hi! I think that could work.
Roni says
This is a gorgeous recipe, have now made it a few times and it is always fantastic. Have now passed it on to my daughter to make.
Natasha says
I am so happy to hear that, Roni! Thank you for sharing it with your daughter! 🙂
Tracy says
Cooked this one last night, and my husband was very impressed with it, just the right amount of lemon and the creaminess was just great! I was very surprised cus i don't like lemony pasta and there's not enough to pack for lunch today.. thanks for the recipe! will try your other recipes in the future!! 🙂
Natasha says
I am so happy it worked out so well, Tracy! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
Dani says
An instant family favorite. Initially made this for my husband and I, but my picky 7 and 4 year olds gobbled it up. My little one specially requests this once a week!
Natasha says
So happy to hear it, Dani!
Shelley says
Excellent!
Natasha says
Thank you! 🙂
Michelle says
We enjoyed this delicious dish on a fine Spring evening. I added more lemon juice and capers to my dish to suit our tastebuds. It was great to use up our Wild Sock-eye Salmon and Fettucini pasta we had just bought. Excellent recipe! Thank you very much! 😊
Natasha says
I am so happy it worked out, Michelle! 🙂
Anony says
Yum! Made this tonight. No changes except I doubled the recipe! EXCELLENT! Yum! Thanks for this Lovely Recipe
Natasha says
Yay!! So glad you liked it!
Kris Kjeldsen says
I substitute sun dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes (it's what I had on hand) and it was delicious. The entire family enjoyed it. Thank you!
Natasha says
Yay! so glad everyone liked it.
Isaac says
Just made this for dinner (added a little red pepper flakes), enjoyed a white wine while cooking, and the family loved it. The kids aren’t into seafood so much, the wife hates seafood, but I love it and since I’m cooking it’s my choice and it was a hit. The wife ate a whole serving. The kids had seconds and raved about it, it reminded them of the beach. Served with toasted fresh baguette slices and olive oil for dipping blended with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes on the side. Enjoying the rest of that white wine now.
Natasha says
I am so glad it worked out so well!! Your comment made me laugh haha. 🙂
Tenika Burman says
Just made this with penne pasta and it tasted really good considering I'm not the biggest fish or seafood lover. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes. Think I will try the Cajun salmon pasta next!
Natasha says
Wonderful - so happy you liked it, Tenika! 🙂
Deborah Walker says
Hi
Can I substitute heavy cream for sour cream and also add prawns?
Sounds delicious!
Deborah
Natasha says
Hi! I think that could work, but it will be more tart/sour if you’re ok with that. Can’t go wrong with prawns!
Linda says
This dish was delicious! Make sure to have a little extra lemon juice.
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!
Veronica says
Very easy recipe to make. I was surprised at how good it tasted! I added asparagus, spinach, diced red pepper and sliced mushrooms to the sauce and added more tomatoes and lemon. I sprinkled the Parmesan and parsley on top of dish and voila! This version came out great! With your base recipe, one can experiment adding different ingredients and it will still come out good! Thanks for the recipe. Will try it with shrimp next time.
Natasha says
So happy you enjoyed it! Your adaptations sound delish.
Crystal Langworthy says
Omg soooooo good!!!
Natasha says
So happy you liked it!
Sandra Amos says
Just made this for the first time. Wanted a quick meal this evening and this certainly didn't disappoint. Very tasty indeed. Forgot to add the parmesan, have only just realised but it was very good even without. I had some baby plum tomatoes so halved these and also added some sugar snaps to the spaghetti once it was almost finished cooking. Will definitely be making it again.
Natasha says
That's great!! so happy it worked out, Sandra!
Nadine says
This was delicious! I'm not the best cook so thankful it is a simple recipe to make but would impress if entertaining. Thank you.
Natasha says
I'm so happy the recipe was easy to follow, Nadine... that is what I am for! Thanks for coming back and letting me know. 🙂
Laurie Nicholas says
Hi, what other Herb can bè used?
Natasha says
Hi Laurie! Italian seasoning is a mix of herbs, so I'd probably either leave it out or use whatever herb blend you have in your pantry. Changing it to just one herb will change the taste of the dish, and I haven't tested it with anything else. Herbs de Provence would work too if you have a jar of that.
Yevette Jones says
THANKS for your salmon n pasta recipe, followed it to the T! But added some cherry tomatoes from my garden and used penne pasta!!! Used some baguette bread from yesterday n sprinkled cheese on it( put in oven) my Son loved it!
Fed up cooking same old, same old n stumbled on you’re recipe on internet.
Will certainly log on to you for lovely, refreshing ideas!x
Natasha says
Excellent, I'm so happy it worked out 🙂
Dan says
Thanks from the UK! We've just made it and it was amazing! Easy restaurant quality pasta at home!!
Natasha says
That's wonderful to hear, Dan! Hope you guys are staying cool.. heard the weather has been crazy hot over there!
Mong says
This is an amazing recipe! Thank you for sharing
Muk says
I made a few small changes to this dish last night, and my wife was very impressed with the meal. Thank you for sharing.
Natasha says
That's great!! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Giancarlo Morini says
Would this work with Fat Free Greek yoghurt instead of cream to reduce calories?
Natasha says
Hi! You could give it a try, but it'll definitely change the texture and taste.
Andre says
I swapped the fresh tomatoes for tinned chopped tomatoes, which i dranned first. I them swapped the fresh salmon for frozen salmon, cooked in the oven for 25 min. The cream i swapped for oat cream (my gf is lactose intolerant) and the parmesan for a lacto free one. It tasted absolutrly delicous. Well done for the recipe.
Natasha says
I am so glad you were able to modify the recipe for your lactose-intolerant gf! Thanks for the tips (may help other readers) and so happy you guys enjoyed it.
Dave S says
So I made the Keto version using Zoodles instead of pasta. It turned out really great. I sauted the zoodles after the salmon came out of the pan for about five minutes.
Natasha says
Love your zoodles idea! So glad you liked the dish.
Dave Percy says
Brilliant, simple recipe. Love it!
Natasha says
Awesome! Thanks so much for letting me know.
Louise says
Great recipe. But how do you stop the cream curdling?
Natasha says
Did the cream curdle for you? I avoid using half-and-half or milk for recipes like this because of that issue. I have never had a problem with heavy cream curdling in a sauce (even with acidic ingredients like lemon and tomatoes). Cooking at a lower temperature can help with curdling as well.
Louise Bostock says
Yes, the second time I cooked it I kept the temperature low and it really worked. I LOVE this recipes!
Natasha says
❤️❤️
Mary tuck says
Absolutely delicious recipe. Thank you so much for posting. Will be following your future recipies
Natasha says
That’s wonderful to hear, Mary! ❤️
Aaron Cooper says
Great! Enjoyed cooking it and eating it 😀
Natasha says
Excellent!! Thanks, Aaron!
Pat says
I used my leftover salmon that was a bit over cooked. So I sautéed the garlic first, threw in the listed ingredients into the pan. Then, I added my salmon that I chopped up and cooked penne pasta. Stirred and served. Delicious recipe for leftover salmon.
Natasha says
So glad you liked it and were able to salvage that overcooked leftover salmon, Pat! 🙂
Lorena says
Yummy! Thanks for the recipe. My 2 boys in the house loved it! Will definitely make this again.
Natasha says
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Christelle says
Very good recipe but did not have enough lemon juice for the taste so I had to add more. As we say, we all have different taste.
Overall, great, easy and fast recipe to cook on a week night and very delicious ... with more lemon juice squeezed on top with shredded parmesan and fresh ground pepper. Thanks! 🙂
Natasha says
So glad you liked it! Yes, definitely adjust to taste. I had one person complain on a similar recipe that there was way too much lemon juice... I can't please everyone haha. Personally I am like you and prefer more.
Reena says
This looks amazing! How many ounces were your salmon pieces?
Natasha says
Hi Reena! I usually buy ones that total about 1/2 lb. I’ll update the recipe. They tend to vary a lot and I just eyeball what seems like a good serving size. Enjoy!
Lynda says
This was Amazing. Made it with GF pasta & it was great! Definitely a keeper.
Natasha says
That’s awesome!! Thanks for letting me know. ❤️
Martin Joseph says
I just made this recipe from some salmon fillets I had left from yesterday and it was absolutely delicious!
I followed the recipe to the letter and it turned out - my daughter is a real foodie and she really loved it!
Thank you Natasha - I will definitely make it again.
Martin
x
Natasha says
That's so great to hear, Martin!! 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment.
Tracy says
Made this delicious dish for lunch with girlfriends today - it was a hit! Thanks for the recipe.
Natasha says
That's great! Thanks for letting me know!
John Hampton says
Thanks for the recipe.
My girlfriend LOVED it 😉
Natasha says
So happy to hear that, John!
tom martella says
Wow- what a dish! Now I don't have to take my wife out for a really nice dinner! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Natasha says
Haha thanks, Tom!!
Sara says
I just made this for dinner this evening and it’s SO good! I didn’t have the Dijon mustard but it still turned out fine. Thanks for the great recipe, was super quick and easy!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you liked it, Sara!! 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment!
chris says
made it tonight with penne, amazing!
Natasha says
Yay! So glad it turned out. 🙂
Mary Tuck says
Fabulous recipe.. thank you so much for sharing it.
Natasha says
So glad you like it! 🙂