Marry Me Salmon Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender salmon with a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. The balance of butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning enhances the fish’s natural taste, while the lemon juice and parmesan add brightness and depth. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion.
Marry Me Salmon Pasta Recipe
Your ONLY job when cooking salmon is to not overcook it. That’s any fish, if we want to get real with each other for a minute.. A quick sear on medium-high heat locks in moisture and develops a beautiful crust on the skin side. We like using a stainless steel skillet best for that sear, but a non-stick pan will work just fine, too.
This Marry Me Salmon pasta works well with all different types of noodles. While classic options like fettuccine or penne are ideal, any pasta with enough surface area to hold onto the sauce will work. The key is to cook the pasta just until al dente, so it retains a slight bite after mixing with the sauce and salmon.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Rich and Creamy – The buttery, garlic-infused sauce coats every bite beautifully.
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon – Seared to perfection, adding flavor and texture.
- Easy Yet Elegant – Great for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
- Bold Flavor – Sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan create a well-rounded taste.
- Customizable – Works with different pasta types and variations.
Marry Me Pasta Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Avocado Oil
- Fresh Salmon
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian Seasoning
- Salted Butter
- Diced Onion
- Garlic
- Flour
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Chicken Stock
- Heavy Cream
- Lemon Juice
- Baby Spinach
- Fresh Parmesan
How To Make Marry Me Salmon Pasta
Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.
- Cook the Pasta – Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Salmon – Heat avocado oil in a skillet. Season salmon and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove the skin and break it into chunks.
- Make the Sauce – Melt butter in a pan, cook onions until translucent, then add garlic. Whisk in flour, cook briefly, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, heavy cream, spinach, and seasonings. Simmer.
- Combine Everything – Toss the pasta, salmon, and sauce together in the pan. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Finish and Serve – Add parmesan and lemon juice. Mix again and serve warm.
FAQ
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat it?
Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of stock or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yup! You may need to add a splash of cream to loosen everything up again, since the pasta absorbs a lot of the sauce, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I use a different fish?
Yes! Try this recipe with trout or even shrimp for a similar flavor profile.
Serve This With…
- A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh side.
This Marry Me Salmon Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and a perfect quick dinner for a weeknight. The sauce perfectly coats the pasta, especially if you pick up pasta like fusilli or rotini with lots of nooks and crannies. If you’re cooking for your family, friends, or even a special date night, this recipe is easy to pull off no matter your kitchen experience.
PIN FOR LATER!
Marry Me Salmon Pasta
This delicious pasta recipe features fresh salmon and a flavorful sundried tomato cream sauce. Your whole family will love it!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 12 ounces fresh salmon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan
Instructions
- Set a pot of salted water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it still has a bit of firmness. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water when draining. Work on the rest of the dish while waiting.
- Warm avocado oil in a heated skillet set to medium-high.
- Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place it in the skillet with the skin side down. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin shows some browning and crispness.
- Flip the salmon and cook another 4–5 minutes. Ensure there's enough oil underneath so it doesn't stick. A stainless steel skillet works well, but a non-stick pan is also fine.
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in flour until smooth. Lower the heat slightly and keep whisking for another 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in the remaining sauce ingredients and stir. Let the mixture come back to a light simmer, then cook for a few minutes.
- Once the salmon is done, remove the skin and break the fish into chunks.
- Add both the salmon and sauce to the pasta, then toss until everything is well combined.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 656Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 662mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 24g