Creamy Salmon Pasta also known as Pasta alla Salmone, is an exquisite Italian-inspired recipe, with a velvety creamy sauce, delicate chunks of succulent small pieces of salmon, and the spicy bite of capers. This straightforward classic is pure culinary comfort and one of my favorite Italian dishes. Ready in under 30 minutes from pantry to table, and best yet, it only needs a handful of basic ingredients. The luscious meal is uncomplicated yet oh-so flavorful and easy recipe!

A fork lifting creamy pasta with pieces of salmon above a plate, with a skillet of pasta in the background.

This recipe really calls out to all of you pasta lovers!

Click the recipe link at the top of the page to go straight to the printable recipe card, which includes ingredient amounts, a detailed ingredient list, instructions, and recipe notes. You can also scroll through the post for helpful tips and step-by-step instructions. The recipe card is located at the bottom of the post.

Main Ingredient Notes

Uncooked pasta, broth, grated cheese, flour, capers, half a lemon, butter, garlic, cream, and a cooked salmon fillet are arranged on a white surface.

While canned Salmon is both easy and delicious you can buy the smaller pouches of salmon that makes this an easy pantry meal. I however had some leftover salmon from the previous meal and using it was perfect.
If Parmigiano Reggiano is not your choice, the an Asiago or Grana Padano are both outstanding alternatives that can enhance the flavor profile of your pasta dish.
The combination of Lemon and Capers naturally complements the smoky taste of this variation.

I’m a big fan of easy pasta meals and if you are also, you might also enjoy this creamy lemon sauce or a tasty roasted red pepper sauce.

Helpful Recipe Tips

For best results, toss the flour with the grated cheese makes it easy to incorporate the flour into the sauce without worrying about lumps.

Substitutions & Recipe Variations

Consider replacing an equivalent amount of regular salmon with your preferred smoked salmon.
For a more sophisticated taste, switch the lemon juice for an equal measure of dry white wine or vegetable broth. Opt for a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, a Pinot Grigio or similar variety.
You can also add in extra fresh hers like fresh basil or fresh ground black pepper.

The Cooking Steps

The steps and ingredients amounts are in the recipe card located below.

A step-by-step collage showing creamy salmon pasta being made: pasta boiled, garlic sautéed in butter, cream and cheese added, salmon mixed in, and cooked pasta combined with sauce in a skillet.

Step 1: In a large pot of water, a bit of kosher salt to the water and cook the pasta per package instructions. You can use different pasta shapes, fettuccine, penne or other cooked pasta. Drain pasta and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for making the cream sauce. Do not rinse the pasta.
Step 2: Over medium heat melt the butter in a Dutch oven or heavy skillet. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir with a wooden spoon to avoid burning.
Step 3. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice or lemon zest and stir to combine and cook over medium-low heat until the sauce is warm, but not boiling.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the grated parmesan cheese and flour. Toss until the cheese is coated with the flour.
Step 5: Stir in the cheese mixture to the sauce and continue cooking over medium-low. Continue stirring to mix and melt the cheese. As the cheese melts the sauce will begin to thicken.
Step 6: Add the salmon and capers and stir until mixed.
Step 7: Stir in the fettuccine, mix to coat, and serve warm.