Salmon Alfredo Pasta

This creamy salmon Alfredo pasta is a delicious, indulgent recipe you can have ready in just 30 minutes. It's a restaurant-quality dish that's just perfect for a busy weeknight treat or to impress guests.

Salmon Alfredo isn't a traditional recipe by any means, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the most delicious creamy pasta dishes I've ever had.

Smoked salmon is the perfect choice for this lightened-up Alfredo, not just because it's already cooked but also because its flavor pairs perfectly with the garlicky sauce.

I make the sauce without heavy cream to keep the fat and calorie content down. A mix of half and half (single cream) and creme fraiche results in a deliciously creamy Alfredo that's healthier than the regular kind.

Why you'll love this salmon Alfredo

• It's the perfect quick yet comforting meal for a busy weeknight.
• You can use smoked salmon or pre-cooked salmon fish fillets.
• It's absolutely delicious, and even picky eaters will ask for seconds!

What goes into salmon Alfredo pasta

Butter - You need a knob of unsalted butter to fry the garlic in. You can use salted butter if that's what you have, but you'll have to be careful with the extra seasoning. Olive oil is another option.

Garlic - I use a garlic press to mince the garlic, but you can also chop it finely with a sharp knife.

Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your likening. Don't substitute freshly minced garlic with garlic powder because the flavor simply won't be the same.

Half and half (single cream) - You can substitute this with heavy cream (double cream) if you want the sauce to be extra rich.

Creme fraiche - The purpose of using some creme fraiche in this salmon Alfredo pasta recipe is to thicken the sauce and add a slightly sour flavor. You can substitute it with low-fat cream cheese.

Italian seasoning - Some fresh thyme or a mix of dried basil, oregano and thyme are other options that work well in this sauce.

Pasta - I made this creamy salmon pasta with fresh penne, but you can go the more traditional route and make it a fettuccine Alfredo. Tagliatelle, spaghetti and linguine are other great options.

Parmesan - It's always best to grate your own Parmesan cheese and make sure you have some extra for sprinkling on top of individual bowls before serving.

Salmon - I used smoked salmon cut into thin strips, but flaky hot smoked salmon is also perfect in this Alfredo sauce.

You can also cook fresh salmon in the oven until flaky and use it in this sauce. The advantage of using baked salmon is that you can flavor it as you like, with red chilli or lemon, for example.

How to make salmon with Alfredo sauce

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it and cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large, deep pan over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, then add the single cream and bring to a simmer.

Stir in the Italian seasoning mix and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Next, stir in the creme fraiche and simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring often until completely melted.

Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine.

Stir in the parmesan and then the smoked salmon. Add the fresh parsley, season to taste with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Recipe notes and tips

• This salmon Alfredo is best served immediately. If you have any leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the pasta in the microwave, but the sauce won't be as creamy and may become grainy.
• Add a tablespoon of cajun seasoning to transform this dish into a cajun salmon Alfredo.
• You can substitute the fresh parsley with fresh dill or use a mix of the two.
• A splash of lemon juice at the end adds some extra brightness.
• Add a bit of the reserved pasta water if the creamy sauce looks too thick.

If you liked this salmon Alfredo pasta, you might also like some of my other quick and easy pasta recipes:

• Pasta alla Boscaiola (Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta)
• Tuna Red Pesto Pasta
• Pasta e Piselli (Pasta and Peas)
• Spinach Artichoke Pasta
• Easy Kielbasa Pasta

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