Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta with Spinach – Quick Italian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner

One of my earliest cooking memories with my dad was making pasta together on rainy afternoons. He’d stand by the stove, stirring sauce in a big pan while I carefully grated cheese. Years later, I discovered how perfectly salmon pairs with pasta, especially with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of dill. This creamy lemon dill salmon pasta takes me right back to those cozy afternoons, with the sound of rain on the windows and the comforting smell of pasta in the air. The creaminess of the sauce hugs each strand of pasta, while tender flakes of salmon add a richness that makes this dish unforgettable.

This recipe is part of the 3-Day Meal Plan. See the full plan here.

Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta with Spinach – Quick Italian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner

This creamy lemon dill salmon pasta combines tender flaked salmon, fresh spinach, and pasta tossed in a luscious cream sauce brightened with lemon juice and dill. It’s indulgent yet fresh, perfect for a cozy dinner that still feels light and vibrant.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
  • 12 oz penne or linguine pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and flake into large chunks.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add cream, broth, and lemon juice. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
  4. Stir in dill, spinach, and parmesan. Let spinach wilt.
  5. Toss pasta in sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Gently fold in salmon chunks. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Substitute half-and-half for lighter sauce.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

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