Description
Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender salmon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh lemon zest to create a light yet indulgent meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and packed with omega-3s and fresh ingredients, delivering a nutritious and satisfying dinner with bright, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Dairy
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
Pantry
- 6 oz pasta (penne or linguine recommended; gluten-free or whole grain optional)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Prepare the salmon: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté gently until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest. Stir in some reserved pasta water to create a light, silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and finish: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it well with the lemon-tomato sauce. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold them into the pasta. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs on top. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with lemon wedges and extra herbs.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Do not overcook the salmon; it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and achieve a silky texture.
- Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and tenderness.
- Toast garlic on low to medium heat to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg