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+ servings
Close-up of noodles coated in sauce with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Salmon Pasta Recipe

Cook Time 30 minutes
This salmon pasta combines tender roasted salmon, penne, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, white wine, and parmesan in a lemon-butter sauce.
2 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon fillet
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil plus additional for garnish
  • 1/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving

Instructions
 

Roast the Salmon

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the salmon fillet in an oven-safe baking dish and pat dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and let rest under loosely tented foil. Once cooled slightly, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Cook the Pasta

  1. In the meantime, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining salt and pepper. Sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

Deglaze and Simmer

  1. Pour in the white wine, remaining lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thickened.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese begins to melt.

Incorporate the Salmon and Serve

  1. Gently fold in the flaked salmon. Warm through for an additional minute, then remove from heat. Garnish with additional basil and Parmesan before serving, if desired.

Notes

To prepare this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the penne with a certified gluten-free pasta of your choice. Also verify that the Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes are labeled gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur with packaged goods. Follow all remaining instructions as written.
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