Salmon Pasta Cream Cheese Recipe

Ever found yourself craving something luxuriously creamy yet light, with just a hint of sophistication? Enter my Cream Cheese Salmon Pasta—a dish that feels like a cozy evening wrapped in a gourmet experience!

I love mixing creamy textures with the luxurious taste of salmon, which is why I created this recipe for Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese. The tender fettuccine or linguine serve as a base for a dish that begins with a depth of flavor from garlic and onion and a little white wine.

The creamy sauce features heavy cream and softened cream cheese that holds everything together beautifully. A touch of lemon juice and almost 3 cups of fresh dill add an out-of-this-world finish.

And the hit of umami from the more-than-generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese doesn’t hurt either.

Salmon Pasta Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• Salmon Fillet: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart health.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and subtle tangy flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, luxurious sauce base.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances creaminess.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy oil, enhances flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses dish with aromatic, savory notes.
• White Wine: Enhances depth of flavor, optional but elevating.

Salmon Pasta Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound salmon fillet, skinless
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves (optional)

How to Make this Salmon Pasta Cream Cheese Recipe

1. Prepare the pasta as directed on the packaging. Use a large pot of salted boiling water. When the pasta is done, drain it, but not before reserving half a cup of the starchy cooking water. Set the pasta aside and keep it warm.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the fillet of salmon with salt and black pepper, and add it to the skillet. Cook the salmon for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and golden. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the leftover tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic and onion until the onion is see-through, about 3-4 minutes.

4. If you are using wine, pour it into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the wine by half, for about 2 minutes.

5. De cremoso fino al dente: Ponga a fuego lento y bata la crema espesa con mucho cuidado. No lo haga a rancho, porque quiere que la crema espesa se derrita y se mezcle. A esta altura, no necesita ninguna otra herramienta de cocina. La crema espesa es por sí sola, un brava protagonista. También puede lograr esto en la batidora. También lo puede lograr en la batidora.

6. Add the cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and well combined.

7. Make the sauce and then add to it the cooked, flaked salmon in bite-sized pieces. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, if using.

8. Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing it to envelop the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, dribbling it in until the consistency is just right.

9. Mix fresh dill or parsley into the dish, and, if you’re using baby spinach, add the green leaves now. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is just slightly wilted.

10. Serve the pasta right away, with the option of additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs as a garnish, and enjoy your Cream Cheese Salmon Pasta!

Salmon Pasta Cream Cheese Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Colander
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Chef’s knife
8. Cutting board
9. Tongs or pasta fork
10. Small bowl or cup (for reserving pasta water)

FAQ

• Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?Absolutely, you can use any pasta of your choice, although fettuccine or linguine are especially great options for this creamy sauce.
• Is it necessary to add white wine?The optional white wine adds depth of flavor. You can add chicken broth instead for a non-alcoholic version.
• Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?Certainly, simply ensure that you defrost it thoroughly and dry it well before you commence cooking. Otherwise, you might be unhappy with the texture when it’s done.
• What can I substitute for heavy cream?A lighter alternative would be to use half-and-half or a combination of milk and more cream cheese. But know that if you go this route, your sauce won’t be as rich.
• How can I make the dish gluten-free?Make use of pasta that is free from gluten and guarantee that any other prepackaged components, such as cream cheese, are certified as being free from gluten.
• Can I add vegetables to this recipe?Definitely! Young spinach is an excellent addition, and you might also consider adding other fast-cooking vegetables such as peas or asparagus.
• How do I store leftovers of this dish?Keep in a no-air-tight container in the chill box for up to 2 days. Warm up on the stovetop or in the micro-nuke, using a splash of cream or milk as might be necessary to reconstitute the sauce.

Salmon Pasta Cream Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

8 oz pasta: Substitute with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option.

Rephrase: 8 oz pasta: Replace with either whole wheat pasta or pasta made without gluten for something healthier or gluten-free.
1 pound salmon fillet: Substitute with trout or steelhead fillet for a slightly different flavor.
1/2 cup white wine: If you’re trying to avoid alcohol, substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
1 cup heavy cream: Lighter or dairy-free version: half-and-half or coconut milk.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley: Substitute with fresh basil or chives for a different herbaceous note.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-season the Salmon For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the salmon briefly in a little lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before cooking. This can enhance the salmon’s taste and make it more flavorful.

2. Cream Cheese Buffer To ensure a smooth sauce, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This ensures it melts evenly into the sauce without clumping.

3. Use Pasta Water Wisely The reserved pasta water is full of starch and can help to emulsify your sauce, making it silkier. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency, but avoid over-thinning the sauce.

4. Zest it Up Adding lemon zest not only brightens the flavor of the dish but also cuts through the richness of the cream. Consider zesting directly over the finished pasta to release those fragrant oils just before serving.

5. Fresh Herb Finish Add the fresh dill or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness. If you’re using spinach, add it in the last minute of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and maximum nutritional benefits.