Simple Salmon Pasta Recipe

This higher protein, healthy salmon pasta has been in my weekly dinner rotation for years and we can never get enough of it. The comforting, hearty pasta topped with lightly pan-friend salmon and a creamy sauce that easily comes together is truly what dreams are made of! And as a busy mom of 3 littles, the fact that it comes together in just 30 minutes is a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• It’s made with any type of pasta you want! Banza Casareece or Penne pasta are great options (more on that below), but any type of pasta works wonderfully.
• It’s easy to put together, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• The pasta sauce is dairy free, but the easiest EVER to throw together!
• The salmon. Oh my goodness. Simple, DELICIOUS, and loaded with nutrition!

RELATED: Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Watch: Salmon Creamy Pasta

Salmon Pasta Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you will need (along with a few notes about each ingredient) for this recipe:

Healthy Pasta

I love using Banza pastas since they’re lower carb, higher protein, and higher in fiber. They’re also vegan and dairy free! My favorite for most recipes is the Rotini or Penne, but I also love and used the Casareece in this recipe. If you use this type of healthy pasta, don’t be surprised by the foam it creates while cooking. This is a part of the process (as shown in the photos below). The trick for cooking Banza pasta is to keep from overcooking the pasta!

Other types of pasta that work great in this recipe: pretty much any type! Try whole wheat or gluten free fettuccine, penne, elbows, etc. There are so many options for this dish!

P.S: Get a discount on Banza products by purchasing through Thrive Market! I love using Thrive Market for healthy pantry items delivered right to our doorstep. So amazing!

Salmon

Wild-caught, skinless salmon is the best option for this Creamy Salmon Pasta recipe. If the salmon you have on hand isn’t skinless, it’s best to remove the skin before starting the recipe.

Need an even quicker option? While pan-fried salmon is best for this recipe, another option is to use canned wild-caught pink salmon to save even more time!

The creamy pasta sauce

Now for the best part! When I say that this creamy pasta sauce is ridiculously easy to make, I mean that it’s RIDICULOUSLY easy to make. And don’t let the dairy free description throw you for a loop: this sauce is AMAZING. Here’s how to make the delicious creamy pasta sauce:

• Combine almond milk (or regular milk), garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a mixing bowl.
• Heat up the olive oil.
• Whisk in the almond flour.
• Add in the almond milk mixture.
• Whisk the mixture together until smooth.
• That’s it! SO easy.

Simply cook the pasta, cook the salmon, and then combine everything together with this creamy pasta sauce. Cook for a few minutes and DONE! The best healthy weeknight dinner ever, ready to go.

TIP: Be sure to use finely ground blanched almond flour for best results!

How to make Creamy Salmon Pasta

This Creamy Salmon Pasta recipe is one of my go-to’s for easy and healthy weeknight dinners. Why? Because it’s INCREDIBLY easy to make! Here’s a run down for how to whip up this recipe:

1. Combine the ingredients for the sauce (almond milk, garlic, salt, and pepper) and whisk into a creamy sauce.

2. Cook the pasta according to directions and drain.

3. Pan-fry the salmon until cooked.

4. Heat up the olive oil and whisk in the almond flour. Whisk in the sauce and heat until it reduces.

5. Mix in the pasta and salmon – enjoy!

Simple Salmon Pasta Recipe Variations

• Switch up the pasta – I love using classic spaghetti or linguine, but this recipe works beautifully with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options like chickpea or lentil pasta!
• Add in veggies – Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrients. It’s a great way to get more veggies in without even thinking about it.
• Make it spicier – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce while it simmers for a little kick.
• Try canned salmon – In a pinch, canned salmon can totally work here. Just drain and flake it in with the sauce at the end!
• Use a different flour – No almond flour on hand? Cassava flour or even oat flour can be a good substitute for thickening the sauce.

What to Serve with Creamy Salmon Pasta

I’m loving this recipe on it’s own, but it’s also great served with steamed broccoli, green beans, garlic toast, baguette, or a side salad.

How to Store Creamy Salmon Pasta

• Refrigerator – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to portion it out into meal prep containers to make weekday lunches extra easy!
• Reheat – Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to bring the creamy texture back as it warms up, and stir gently until heated through.
• Freezer – I don’t usually recommend freezing this one, but if needed, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly with a little extra almond milk or broth.

Looking for more healthy comfort food? Here are a few recipes you’ll love:

• Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
• Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
• Mushroom & Spinach Pasta Bake
• Mac and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash

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