Okay, friends, let me tell you about my absolute FAVORITE weeknight dinner: Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce! Seriously, this isn’t just “good,” it’s like, “lick-the-plate-clean” good. The creamy sauce, the flaky salmon… it’s a match made in heaven. And the best part? It comes together faster than you can say “takeout.”

I’ve been making this Salmon Pasta for years, tweaking it here and there until it’s reached pure perfection. Trust me, even if you think you can’t cook, you can nail this. It’s seriously foolproof. Plus, the sun-dried tomatoes add this little burst of sunshine-y flavor that just *elevates* the whole dish. I’ve served this to everyone from picky toddlers to discerning foodies, and it’s always a hit!

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Seriously, what’s NOT to love?! Here’s the lowdown:

Quick weeknight meal: Ready in under 40 minutes! Yes, you read that right.
Restaurant-quality flavor: Seriously, this tastes like something you’d pay $$$ for.
Creamy and comforting: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for a chilly evening.
Easy cleanup: Fewer dishes = happy cook! Hallelujah!
Impressive for guests: Wanna wow your friends? Serve this. Boom. Done.

Ingredients for Your Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is all about fresh, simple flavors. Here’s what you’ll need – and trust me, it’s worth getting the good stuff!

Pasta

You’ll want 12 oz of your favorite pasta shape. I usually go for penne or fettuccine, but honestly, anything works! Just grab what you love!

Salmon

Okay, for the star of the show, you’ll need 1 lb of skinless salmon fillet. Make sure those pesky pin bones are gone – nobody wants a surprise crunch! I usually ask my fishmonger to do this for me. #lazycook

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Grab 1/4 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Drain ’em well, and give them a rough chop. These little guys pack a HUGE flavor punch!

Cream

You’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream. Don’t skimp here – it’s what makes the sauce so dreamy!

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese – about 1/4 cup. Freshly grated is ALWAYS best, trust me. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same.

Garlic

Two cloves of garlic, minced. Because, well, garlic makes everything better, right?

Olive Oil

Two tablespoons of olive oil. Extra virgin, of course! We’re fancy like that.

Seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, obvi! Don’t be shy!

Garnish

And last but not least, some fresh basil leaves for garnish. It just makes it look pretty, ya know?

How to Make Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Here’s how we’re gonna make this magic happen. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on the most amazing Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce in no time.

Cook the Pasta

First things first, get your pasta cooking! Follow the package directions, and cook it until it’s al dente. You know, with a little bite to it? Super important! And listen up – BEFORE you drain the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of that pasta water. Trust me on this one. It’s liquid gold!

Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Now, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and cook it until it’s fragrant – about a minute. Careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is NOT our friend. Then, toss in those sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mmm, that smell!

Create the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Alright, time for the creamy goodness! Pour in that heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Then, stir in your grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, let that sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up slightly. This is where the magic happens!

Cook the Salmon

While the sauce is simmering, cook your salmon in a separate pan. I usually do about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on how thick the fillet is. You want it to be flaky and cooked through, but not dry! Nobody likes dry salmon. You can also bake or grill it if you prefer. Whatever floats your boat!

Combine and Serve Your Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Okay, almost there! Flake that cooked salmon into the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Then, add your drained pasta to the sauce and toss it all together. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency. Serve it immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves. And BAM! You’re a culinary rockstar!

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Want to take your Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here are a few of my top tips!

Don’t Overcook the Salmon

Seriously, this is the #1 rule! Overcooked salmon is dry and sad. Cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork. You can always err on the side of slightly undercooked – it’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce!

Adjust the Sauce Thickness

Sauce too thick? No prob! Just add a little of that reserved pasta water to thin it out. Sauce too thin? Simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it. Easy peasy!

Fresh Ingredients Matter

Okay, I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s true! Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a HUGE difference in the flavor of this dish. So splurge a little – you deserve it!

Variations on Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe – congrats! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations on this amazing Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Because, why not?!

Spicy Salmon Pasta

Feeling a little fiery? Add a pinch (or a whole lotta!) of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Trust me, it’s SO good!

Add Vegetables

Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Stir in some spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor. My favorite is spinach – it wilts right into the sauce!

Use Different Herbs

Don’t have basil on hand? No problem! Try using fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley instead. Each herb will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile. Experiment and see what you like best!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this totally amazing Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.

Can I use canned salmon?

Okay, technically, yes, you *can* use canned salmon. But honestly, fresh salmon is SO much better in this. It’s got a better flavor and texture. If you absolutely HAVE to use canned, just make sure you drain it really, really well!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely make the sun-dried tomato cream sauce ahead of time. It actually tastes even better after it’s been sitting for a bit! But I’d recommend cooking the pasta and salmon right before serving. That way, everything’s nice and fresh. Just store the sauce separately in the fridge.

What kind of pasta works best?

Honestly, just about any pasta works! But my go-to’s are penne, fettuccine, and linguine. They all hold the sauce really well. So, pick your fave!

Can I freeze this Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?

Freezing? Eh, I wouldn’t recommend it. The cream sauce might separate when you thaw it, and nobody wants a grainy sauce! It’s best to just enjoy it fresh.

Is this Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce gluten-free?

Yup! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are tons of great options out there these days. Easy peasy!

Storing and Reheating Your Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to dig in again, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle reheat on the stovetop should do the trick! Careful not to overcook the salmon, though!

Nutritional Information for Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, don’t take this as gospel, okay?

Enjoyed This Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe?

Loved this Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce? Then leave a comment below and give it a rating! I wanna know what you think!