Pasta with Salmon Peas

When you need a comforting, satisfying meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Pasta with Salmon & Peas absolutely delivers. With tender flakes of salmon, vibrant green peas, and a rich cream sauce kissed with lemon zest, this dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, savory, and light all at once—a luxurious pasta dish that doesn’t weigh you down.
  • Family-friendly and budget-conscious, but still feels restaurant-worthy.
  • Simple ingredients with big flavor.
  • Ready in about 20 minutes, start to finish.

I first made this dish on a cold weeknight when I needed something cozy but didn’t want to fuss. One bite in, I knew I had a new family favorite—my kids devoured it, and my husband requested it the next night!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 300g (about 10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
  • 200g (about 7 oz) fresh salmon fillet, skinned and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking
  • Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Tip: Fresh salmon will give you the best flavor, but thawed frozen salmon works too in a pinch. Just be sure to pat it dry thoroughly.

How to Make Creamy Salmon Pasta with Peas

 

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Cook the Salmon

Turn the heat up slightly. Add the salmon cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly golden and just cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Be gentle to keep the salmon pieces whole.

4. Add the Peas & Cream

Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Stir until everything is combined and warmed through.

5. Toss with Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

Divide into bowls, garnish with Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
  • Serve with steamed asparagus or green beans for extra veg.
  • A slice of crusty garlic bread is always welcome.
  • Wine pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the creaminess beautifully.

Pro Tips for Success

✔ Don’t overcook the salmon—it should be flaky, not dry.
✔ Add the lemon zest at the end to preserve its brightness.
✔ Fresh peas offer a slightly sweeter bite, but frozen peas are perfectly fine.
✔ Fettuccine or other long noodles hold the creamy sauce especially well.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the cream may slightly separate.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pasta with Salmon & Peas is the perfect intersection of comfort and elegance. It’s one of those meals that looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort—but is surprisingly easy to throw together. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

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