One-Pot Creamy Salmon Pasta
One-Pot Creamy Salmon Pasta is a rich and comforting meal featuring crispy, seasoned salmon served over creamy, cheesy pasta. The salmon is seared until golden, while the pasta cooks directly in a flavorful mixture of chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, and seasonings.
Everything comes together in one pot for an easy family dinner with less mess and plenty of creamy, savory flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pot for easy cleanup
- Crispy, flavorful salmon
- Rich and creamy pasta sauce
- Cheesy and comforting
- Easy family-friendly dinner
- Simple cooking method with no complicated steps
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 lb salmon
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 12 oz heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1–2 cups shredded cheese
For Serving
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Season the Salmon
Season the salmon with Cajun seasoning, dried parsley, thyme, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the olive oil and butter. If desired, allow the seasoned salmon to marinate for 10–15 minutes.
2. Sear the Salmon
Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden.
Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Pasta Base
If necessary, carefully wipe out any burnt bits from the pan while leaving a little of the remaining oil behind.
Add the pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is almost al dente.
5. Add the Cheese
Stir in 1–2 cups of shredded cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy while the pasta reaches a perfectly al dente texture.
6. Adjust the Sauce
If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it.
If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cheese and cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Finish and Serve
Place the seared salmon on top of the creamy pasta.
Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Recipe Tips
- Do not overcook the salmon; sear it until golden and cooked through.
- Marinating the seasoned salmon for 10–15 minutes is optional.
- Keep a little oil in the pan after searing the salmon for extra flavor.
- Stir the pasta regularly while it simmers to help it cook evenly.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with a splash of broth or heavy cream.
- Add extra cheese if you prefer a thicker and cheesier sauce.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Variations
- Use your favorite shredded cheese blend.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
- Add extra Parmesan for a stronger cheesy flavor.
- Use a different pasta shape that works well with creamy sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy pasta with the seared salmon on top and finish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container and refrigerating.
When reheating, add a small splash of chicken broth or heavy cream if the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition
Nutritional values will vary depending on the type and brand of salmon, pasta, cheese, broth, cream, and seasonings used.
For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and quantities used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marinate the salmon?
Yes. Marinating the seasoned salmon for 10–15 minutes is optional and can help the flavors develop.
How long should I sear the salmon?
The recipe recommends searing the salmon for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, until golden.
Can I adjust the sauce if it is too thick?
Yes. Add a small splash of chicken broth or heavy cream and stir until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Add a little more shredded cheese and cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. The recipe calls for 1–2 cups of shredded cheese, so you can use your preferred cheese or blend that melts well into a creamy sauce.
What should I garnish the pasta with?
Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes are recommended for serving.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Creamy Salmon Pasta combines golden seared salmon with rich, cheesy pasta cooked in chicken broth and heavy cream. The result is an easy comfort-food dinner with plenty of flavor and minimal cleanup.
Would you try this creamy salmon pasta? 🍝🐟
