Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta: Your Go-To Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta recipe is an absolute dream for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to impress guests. It masterfully combines tender, flaky, perfectly seasoned salmon with a rich, velvety lemon-infused cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta and vibrant wilted greens. Quick to prepare and bursting with satisfying flavors, this dish promises a delightful meal any night of the week.
table of contents
Toggle
About This Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta Recipe
This creamy lemon salmon pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for both ease and enjoyment. Imagine succulent, flaky salmon, perfectly seasoned and baked, combined with al dente pasta enveloped in a luxurious, silky, lemon-infused cream sauce. The vibrant touch of sun-dried tomatoes and nutrient-rich spinach elevates this dish, making it a complete and satisfying option for any occasion.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the thoughtful layering of flavors and textures. The salmon gets a robust spice rub and a splash of fresh lemon before baking, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Meanwhile, the creamy sauce is built on a foundation of aromatic garlic and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, creating a complex yet harmonious base. Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the cream and creating a beautiful balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Wilted spinach adds a pop of color and a healthy dose of vitamins, transforming this into a wholesome and incredibly delicious one-pan meal.
One of the greatest advantages of this creamy salmon pasta is its remarkable adaptability and simplicity, making it perfect for even the busiest schedules. You can easily customize the pasta shape – from classic fettuccine or linguine to short shapes like penne or farfalle – all work beautifully to cradle the exquisite sauce. The rich cream sauce can be adjusted to your preference, allowing for a lighter or more decadent consistency. The cooking process is designed for efficiency: while your salmon bakes to perfection and the pasta boils, you can simultaneously prepare the sauce. This ensures that all components come together seamlessly, resulting in a hot, fresh, and unbelievably delicious meal precisely when you’re ready to serve.
Whether you’re looking for a special yet fuss-free weeknight dinner, or planning a relaxed weekend meal to entertain friends and family, this creamy lemon salmon pasta recipe hits all the right notes. It’s substantial enough to be a standalone meal, offering protein, carbohydrates, and greens in one enticing bowl. For those who love to complete the spread, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, a basket of warm, crusty bread, or a light appetizer. This dish is truly a celebration of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, promising an unforgettable dining experience with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for This Delicious Salmon Pasta
Crafting this incredible creamy lemon salmon pasta requires a selection of fresh and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile and luxurious texture of the dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Salmon: For the best results, we highly recommend using a high-quality, skin-on salmon fillet. The skin helps keep the fish moist during baking and contributes to a beautiful, flaky texture. Be sure to check for and remove any pin bones before seasoning, as this ensures a pleasant eating experience. Fresh salmon is always best, but good quality frozen salmon, thawed properly, can also work.
Spices: The salmon rub is a carefully balanced blend that infuses the fish with incredible flavor. You’ll need a combination of salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika (which adds a wonderful depth and subtle smoky note), onion powder, black pepper, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper for a little warmth. This blend complements the salmon beautifully without overpowering its natural taste.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is an absolute must for this recipe! Its bright, zesty acidity is key to balancing the richness of the cream sauce and enhancing the flavor of the salmon. You’ll need at least two fresh lemons in total – one for the salmon and one for the sauce – to achieve that signature vibrant lemon flavor. Consider having extra on hand for a final squeeze before serving.
Butter & Olive Oil: These two fats form the flavorful base for our creamy sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, preventing it from becoming overly seasoned. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps with sautéing. The combination creates a rich foundation for the sauce.
Pasta: While we typically opt for classic fettuccine, which has a wide, flat surface perfect for clinging to the creamy sauce, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use your favorite long noodle, such as spaghetti or linguine. Alternatively, short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle (bow-ties), or rigatoni also work wonderfully, especially for a heartier bite.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For optimal flavor and texture, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. These tomatoes are intensely flavored and bring a delightful sweetness and a hint of tang to the sauce. Draining and chopping them finely allows their flavor to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create a simple roux, which acts as the thickening agent for our luxurious cream sauce. It helps create a smooth, consistent texture that beautifully coats the pasta.
Broth: We prefer to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content, but regular chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be used based on what you have available. The broth adds a savory depth to the sauce, melding with the other flavors.
Heavy Cream: This is the star ingredient for achieving that undeniably rich, velvety texture in the sauce. Heavy whipping cream provides the necessary fat content to create a luscious, smooth consistency that makes this pasta so incredibly indulgent.
Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable for this recipe! Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a salty, umami depth that is simply irresistible.
Greens: Baby spinach is our preferred green for its quick wilting time and mild flavor, which complements the other ingredients perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with other greens like finely chopped kale (which will require slightly longer cooking) or peppery arugula (which should be added at the very end as it wilts almost instantly) for a different twist.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools on hand can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. For this creamy lemon salmon pasta, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment:
For preparing the pasta, a large stock pot is essential for boiling water efficiently and allowing the pasta ample space to cook evenly. A sturdy colander will also be needed for draining the pasta once it’s al dente.
To perfectly bake the salmon, a half sheet baking sheet is ideal. Lining it with foil will not only make cleanup a breeze but also allow you to create a “foil boat” to keep the salmon incredibly moist. An instant-read thermometer is also highly recommended to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection without overdoing it.
When it comes to crafting the delicious sauce, a large skillet or a durable cast iron skillet is your best friend. Its generous size provides enough surface area for sautéing and simmering, and cast iron offers excellent heat retention. You will also want a reliable whisk for smoothly incorporating ingredients and preventing lumps in the sauce, a wooden spoon for stirring, and tongs for easily tossing the pasta and salmon together at the end.
Here’s How to Make This Delicious Salmon Pasta Recipe
Creating this flavorful and creamy lemon salmon pasta is simpler than you might think. By breaking it down into a few manageable steps, you’ll have a gourmet-quality meal on your table in under an hour. Let’s walk through the process:
1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. The salt in the water is crucial as it seasons the pasta from within, enhancing its flavor and ensuring the entire dish tastes balanced. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add your chosen pasta shape – fettuccine, penne, or farfalle are all excellent choices for their ability to hold the creamy sauce. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, aiming for that perfect al dente texture – it should still have a slight firmness when bitten, providing a satisfying chew. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce later.
Once cooked, promptly drain the pasta using a colander. Immediately after draining, return the pasta to the empty pot or a large bowl and toss it with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This simple step is vital for preventing the pasta strands from sticking together, especially important while you focus on preparing the other components of the dish. Set the pasta aside, ready for its creamy coating.
2. Prepare and Bake the Flavorful Salmon
While your pasta is cooking, turn your attention to the salmon. In a small bowl, whisk together the spices for the rub: salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and the optional pinch of cayenne pepper. This creates a balanced and aromatic seasoning blend that will deeply flavor the salmon.
Next, line a half sheet baking sheet with a piece of foil, which will make cleanup incredibly easy. Place your skin-on salmon fillet, skin-side down, on the foil. Drizzle a generous amount of fresh lemon juice over the top of the fillet – this adds a bright, zesty note and helps tenderize the fish. Evenly sprinkle your prepared spice mixture across the entire surface of the salmon, ensuring every part is coated. Finally, dot the top of the salmon with small pads of unsalted butter; these will melt as it bakes, contributing to the fish’s moistness and flavor.
Carefully fold up the sides of the foil around the salmon to create a “boat” or pouch. This traps steam and juices, keeping the salmon incredibly moist and flavorful, but ensure you leave the top uncovered to allow for a slight crisp. Bake the salmon in your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when the salmon is almost entirely opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, yet still retains its moisture. For ultimate precision, use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should register between 125-135°F (52-57°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness, which is ideal for this recipe.
3. Craft the Velvety Creamy Lemon Sauce
While the salmon bakes, prepare the star of the dish – the creamy lemon sauce. In a large skillet or cast iron skillet, melt the unsalted butter with extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously. This brief cooking time allows the garlic to become fragrant and the sun-dried tomatoes to release their wonderful aromas and sweet-tart flavors, creating a rich base.
Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the garlic and sun-dried tomato mixture. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, for approximately 1 minute. This step creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce and ensure it’s smooth and lump-free. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, adding a pinch of salt to begin seasoning the sauce. Continue to whisk until all the liquids are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth, with no visible lumps of flour.
Increase the heat back to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer, stirring frequently, until it visibly thickens. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, indicating it’s reached the perfect consistency. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low again. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring gently until the Parmesan cheese melts completely into the sauce, making it even richer and more cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.
4. Combine and Finish the Dish
With your sauce perfectly creamy and the salmon baked, it’s time to bring all the delicious components together. Add the cooked, drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce, along with the fresh baby spinach leaves. Using tongs, gently toss everything together, ensuring every strand of pasta and every leaf of spinach is coated in the luxurious sauce. Continue to cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has completely wilted down into the pasta.
Once the salmon is out of the oven, use a fork to gently flake it into large, beautiful chunks. Avoid flaking it too finely at this stage, as it will continue to break down slightly when tossed with the pasta. Carefully add these flaky salmon pieces to the pasta mixture in the skillet. Toss gently one last time to evenly distribute the salmon throughout the dish, making sure not to break it apart too much.
Give the finished dish a final taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to perfection. You might want to add a bit more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or another squeeze of fresh lemon juice to truly make the flavors sing. Serve this incredible creamy lemon salmon pasta immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Craving more comforting pasta dishes? Explore these amazing pasta skillet recipes for dinner: Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet for a cheesy, savory delight | Indulge in the simple perfection of Pasta Napolitana | Cozy up with a hearty Cheesy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake | Experience bold flavors with Gochujang Noodles with Chicken and Greens | Or savor the classic goodness of Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta
Achieving a restaurant-quality creamy lemon salmon pasta at home is easier than you think with these simple tips and tricks. They’ll ensure your dish is packed with flavor and has the perfect texture every time:
Generously Season Your Pasta Water: This is a non-negotiable step for flavorful pasta! Adding a good amount of salt to your pasta water (it should taste like the ocean) ensures the pasta itself is seasoned from the inside out. This foundation of flavor is crucial for the overall taste of your dish, preventing bland pasta and ensuring every bite is delicious.
Never Overcook Your Pasta: The key to great pasta is achieving an al dente texture – meaning it’s still firm to the bite, not soft or mushy. Overcooked pasta can become gummy and lose its ability to absorb sauce effectively. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly when it’s added to the hot sauce, so taking it out a minute or two before it’s fully done according to package directions is often ideal. This ensures a pleasant texture in the finished dish.
Flake Salmon into Large, Rustic Chunks: When the baked salmon is ready, resist the urge to flake it into very small pieces. Instead, use a fork to gently break it into large, rustic chunks. As you toss the salmon with the pasta and sauce, these larger pieces will naturally break down a bit further, but by starting with bigger flakes, you’ll ensure that you have substantial, satisfying pieces of salmon throughout your creamy pasta, adding to both texture and visual appeal.
Elevate with Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful garnish, don’t shy away from adding fresh herbs just before serving. Finely chopped fresh basil, flat-leaf parsley, or even a sprinkle of fresh dill can dramatically brighten the dish and complement the lemon and salmon beautifully. These herbs add a layer of aromatic freshness that takes your weeknight dinner to the next level.
Don’t Skimp on Fresh Lemon Juice: While bottled lemon juice can be convenient, fresh lemon juice is paramount for this recipe. The bright, zesty notes from freshly squeezed lemon are what truly make this dish sing, cutting through the richness of the cream and adding a vibrant tang that bottled juice simply can’t replicate. Always taste the final dish and add another squeeze of fresh lemon if you feel it needs a little extra lift.
Grate Parmesan Freshly: Just like with the lemon juice, freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference. Pre-shredded or pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully into your sauce, creating a silkier texture and delivering a superior, authentic cheesy flavor.
Is It Better to Pan Fry or Bake Salmon for This Pasta Dish?
For this particular creamy lemon salmon pasta recipe, we wholeheartedly recommend baking the salmon. Here’s why:
Ease and Efficiency: Baking salmon is incredibly hands-off, allowing you to multitask efficiently in the kitchen. While the salmon bakes to flaky perfection in the oven, you can focus on boiling the pasta and preparing the rich, creamy sauce. This streamlined approach means everything comes together simultaneously, making the cooking process much smoother and faster for a weeknight meal.
Consistent Doneness: Baking in foil, as instructed, creates a moist environment that gently cooks the salmon, resulting in a consistently tender and flaky fillet without the risk of drying it out. It’s also less prone to overcooking compared to pan-frying, especially for larger fillets.
Less Mess: Baking generally creates less mess and splattering than pan-frying, keeping your stovetop cleaner and reducing cleanup time.
However, if you have a strong preference for pan-fried salmon and are comfortable managing the timing, you can certainly pan-fry the salmon instead. If pan-frying, cook it skin-side down first until crispy, then flip and cook until just done, aiming for a similar internal temperature of 125-135°F (52-57°C). Just be mindful of balancing the timing with the pasta and sauce preparation to ensure everything is hot and ready at the same time.
Can I Use Different Greens in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is our go-to choice for its delicate flavor and quick wilting, this creamy lemon salmon pasta recipe is quite adaptable when it comes to greens. You can easily substitute or add other leafy vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Kale: If you prefer kale, opt for a softer variety like lacinato (dinosaur) kale or curly kale with the tough stems removed. You’ll need to chop it finely and cook it slightly longer than spinach to allow it to wilt and tenderize properly. Add it to the sauce a few minutes before the pasta to ensure it softens sufficiently. Kale will add a more robust, slightly earthy flavor.
- Arugula: For a peppery kick, fresh arugula is a fantastic option. However, arugula wilts very quickly and has a more pronounced flavor. We recommend stirring it into the pasta and sauce right at the very end, just before serving, or even scattering it on top as a fresh garnish. This will preserve its vibrant color and peppery bite without it becoming overly soft.
- Swiss Chard or Collard Greens: These can also work, but like kale, they will require longer cooking times and should be chopped smaller. They offer a slightly bitter note that can be a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
No matter which greens you choose, the goal is to incorporate a healthy, vibrant element that complements the rich flavors of the salmon and cream sauce. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!
Can I Make This Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe Ahead of Time?
While this creamy lemon salmon pasta recipe is designed for quick preparation and maximum freshness, we generally do not recommend making the entire dish ahead of time. The creamy sauce and cooked pasta, when reheated, can sometimes lose their ideal texture, becoming thicker or more separated. The salmon can also dry out or become less tender upon reheating.
However, you can certainly prepare some components in advance to make dinner even faster:
- Cook and Season Salmon: You can bake the salmon up to 2 days ahead of time. Once cooled, flake it into chunks and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save significant time on the day of cooking.
- Chop Vegetables: Mince your garlic and chop your sun-dried tomatoes a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Grate Cheese: Grate your Parmesan cheese ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container.
On the day you plan to serve, we highly recommend preparing the pasta and sauce fresh. This will ensure the most delicious and satisfying results, with a perfectly creamy sauce and al dente pasta. If using pre-cooked salmon, simply warm it gently in the sauce at the very end, being careful not to overcook it.
Looking for even more pasta recipes to inspire your next meal? Dive into my extensive pasta recipes page for a world of delicious ideas!
What to Serve with This Lemon Salmon Pasta Recipe
This creamy lemon salmon pasta is a wonderfully complete meal all on its own, providing protein from the salmon, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the spinach. However, if you’re looking to round out your dining experience or serve it for a special occasion, here are some delightful pairings:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: A classic choice! A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delectable creamy sauce. For an extra treat, serve it with homemade air fryer garlic bread – its savory crunch is an ideal contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta. Toss mixed greens with a vibrant vinaigrette dressing (perhaps a lemon vinaigrette to complement the dish!) for a balanced meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the vegetable component with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes. A quick roast brings out their natural sweetness and a slight char, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans, perhaps tossed with a touch of butter and lemon zest, offer a simple yet elegant side that maintains the fresh, healthy vibe of the main dish.
- Wine Pairing: For adult diners, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay would beautifully complement the lemon and seafood flavors.
No matter your choice, this lemon salmon pasta is sure to be the star of your table!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
While this creamy lemon salmon pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly store leftovers for a convenient meal later. Here’s how to do it properly:
To Store: Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the quality of the salmon and the sauce may start to diminish.
To Reheat: Reheating creamy pasta dishes can sometimes be tricky, as the sauce can thicken too much or separate. For best results, reheat small portions. You have a couple of options:
- Microwave: Reheat on half power in the microwave, stirring every minute or so, until just warmed through. This gentle heating prevents the sauce from breaking.
- Stovetop: Transfer the leftovers to a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of heavy cream, milk, or chicken broth to the pan. This liquid will help “bring the sauce back to life” and restore its creamy consistency. Stir gently and continuously until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is smooth again. Be careful not to overheat, which can dry out the salmon.
Adding a little extra liquid when reheating is key to reviving the sauce’s texture and ensuring your leftovers are almost as good as fresh!
More of Our Favorite Salmon Recipes to Try
If you loved this creamy lemon salmon pasta, you’ll be delighted to explore more of our fantastic salmon recipes. Salmon is a versatile and healthy fish, perfect for a variety of delicious meals:
- Cozy Salmon Chowder: This classic, hearty salmon chowder is the epitome of comfort food. Packed with tender chunks of salmon, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, creamy broth, it’s absolutely ideal for a chilly evening and pairs wonderfully with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
- Effortless Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon: For a quick and incredibly healthy main course, our baked lemon garlic salmon recipe is a winner. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, and cooks up perfectly flaky every time. Serve it with all your favorite steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and wholesome meal.
- Flavorful Honey Ginger Salmon Bites: Looking for something fun, flavorful, and easy for meal prep? Our honey sesame ginger salmon bites recipe is perfect! These bite-sized salmon pieces are coated in a sticky, savory glaze, making them irresistible. They are fantastic served over rice bowls with your favorite toppings or as a flavorful protein component for your weekly meal prep.
These recipes showcase the versatility of salmon and offer diverse flavor profiles that are sure to become new family favorites.
Finally, if you whip up this fantastic creamy lemon salmon pasta recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and I genuinely love hearing about your experiences in the kitchen. I make it a point to respond to every single comment, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!
Feel free to drop any questions you might have about the recipe below too – I’m here to help!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these delicious creations come to life in your homes is truly my favorite part of sharing recipes – it means the world to me!
Want to stay updated on my latest recipes and culinary news? Sign up for my newsletter to get them delivered straight to your inbox and never miss a delicious update!
Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika for a milder flavor
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for a subtle kick
- Juice from 1/2 lemon approximately 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
- 1 lb skin-on salmon fillet pin bones removed
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter cut into 3 small slices
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape like linguine or penne
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced, about 1 1/2 teaspoons
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Juice of 1 large lemon approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 5 oz baby spinach fresh, washed
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200°C) to get started on the salmon.
-
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (fettuccine, penne, etc.) and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture – still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and immediately toss it with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
-
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined. This is your flavorful salmon rub.
-
Line a baking sheet with foil and place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the foil.
-
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon) over the salmon fillet. Evenly sprinkle the prepared spice mixture across the top of the salmon. Dot the top with the small pads of unsalted butter. Fold up the sides of the foil to create a boat, but do not completely cover the salmon on top.
-
Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it is almost opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature between 125-135 degrees F). Be careful not to overcook.
-
While salmon bakes, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
-
Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, to create a roux. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
-
Simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
-
Add the cooked pasta and fresh baby spinach leaves to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, continuing to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the spinach has fully wilted.
-
Gently flake the baked salmon into large chunks and add them to the pasta in the skillet. Toss gently to ensure all components are well coated with the creamy sauce, being careful not to break the salmon too much.
-
Taste the finished dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or a final squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creamy lemon salmon pasta!