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Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon is a quick, flavorful dish combining tender salmon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and bright lemon juice. This healthy and nourishing recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, offering a balanced mix of rich textures and vibrant colors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Vegetables

  • 2 fresh salmon fillets (skinless, boneless, about 6 oz each)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Pasta and Pantry

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta cooking water, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Cook the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until just cooked through and nicely golden. Remove the salmon from the pan and flake it into large chunks.
  3. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Combine lemon and pasta: Pour the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the skillet, stirring well to create a bright sauce base. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
  5. Finish with salmon and herbs: Gently fold the flaked salmon back into the skillet, warming it through without breaking it up too much. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Quality salmon matters: Use fresh or responsibly frozen salmon for moist, flaky texture and best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the salmon to avoid dryness; remove it from heat once it flakes easily.
  • Reserve pasta water to create the perfect sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Always use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice for vibrant citrus flavor and aroma.
  • Adjust salt carefully since sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan can add saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon pasta, healthy dinner, seafood pasta, quick dinner, gluten free pasta dish