If you’re craving a rich, comforting seafood dinner, this salmon pasta recipe is a must-try. With tender chunks of salmon, briny capers, sweet julienned onions, and fragrant dill, it’s a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. This creamy salmon pasta takes about an hour from start to finish, giving the flavors time to develop into something truly special. Perfect for a relaxed weekend meal or an indulgent weeknight treat.
My Story Behind This Salmon Pasta
This recipe is close to my heart because it reminds me of my friends Martin and Margo. They first introduced me to this pasta years ago in their restaurant when they made the pasta by hand. It was so good that I always asked for it. It wasn’t always on their menu, but every time it appeared, I ordered it without hesitation.
Eventually, they stopped making the pasta — but I remembered most of the ingredients and decided to recreate it myself. Instead of smoked salmon, which they originally used, I swapped in fresh salmon fillet. To me, it makes the dish lighter and fresher, while still keeping that rich, creamy flavor I fell in love with.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Pasta
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Creamy, rich, and full of flavor.
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Balanced with briny capers, lemon, and dill.
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A recipe with a story — rooted in tradition but improved with fresh salmon.
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Elegant enough for guests, cozy enough for family dinner.
Ingredients That Make This Salmon Pasta Special
Instead of a list, let’s talk about why each element works so well together:
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Fresh salmon fillet – tender, delicate, and lighter than smoked.
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Julienned onion – adds natural sweetness and texture.
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Capers – tangy, briny bursts that balance the creamy sauce.
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Dill & lemon juice – fresh and zesty finishing touches that keep the dish bright.
Tips for the Best Creamy Salmon Pasta
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Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
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Reserve some pasta water — it’s key for binding the cream sauce.
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Add dill at the end to keep its flavor fresh and vibrant.
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Fresh salmon gives a lighter taste, but smoked salmon is an option if you want a stronger flavor.
Video:
Watch the full step-by-step video tutorial for this salmon pasta recipe on my YouTube channel to see exactly how it’s made.
Creamy Salmon Pasta with Capers and Dill
Ingredients
- 250 g fresh salmon fillet
- 300 g tagliatelle
- 1 medium onion, sliced into julienne strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp capers
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 ml reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove bones and skin from the salmon, then cut into bite-sized chunks.
- Slice onion into thin julienne strips.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and cook salmon chunks for 4–5 minutes until golden. Transfer to a bowl.
- In the same pan, sauté julienned onion for 2–3 minutes.
- Boil pasta according to package instructions, reserving 100 ml of pasta water.
- Add pasta to the onion pan along with pasta water, capers, and salmon. Season and stir.
- Pour in 200 ml cream, cook for 5 minutes, and stir in dill.
- Squeeze lemon juice over pasta before serving. Garnish with extra dill if desired.