Lemon Dill Pasta with Salmon

Highlighted under: Kitchen World | Global Eats

I absolutely adore this Lemon Dill Pasta with Salmon! The combination of fresh lemon and fragrant dill elevates the rich flavor of the salmon, making it a standout dish in our kitchen. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also elegant enough for a special dinner. When I made it for my family last weekend, they couldn't stop raving about how well the flavors came together. Cooking the salmon skin-side down first keeps it moist, while the pasta captures all that delicious sauce. Trust me, it will become a favorite!

Monicas

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-19T18:34:18.929Z

When I first tried making Lemon Dill Pasta with Salmon, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily everything came together. I started with fresh ingredients, and that made all the difference. The lemon juice brightened the dish, while the dill added a refreshing note that complemented the salmon beautifully. I was thrilled to discover that the flavors improved as the pasta soaked up the sauce.

One of my favorite tips is to cook the salmon skin-side down first, as this helps lock in moisture. Turning it only once ensures a perfect sear without drying it out. The result was a tender piece of fish that paired perfectly with al dente pasta. My family couldn’t get enough of it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The zesty brightness of lemon lifts the flavors beautifully.
  • Fresh dill adds a fragrant, herbal note that makes the dish pop.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Pasta and Salmon

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Dill Sauce

  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Serve with extra lemon wedges for a zesty touch!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down into the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until done.

Make the Lemon Dill Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in the chopped dill and Parmesan cheese, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the lemon dill sauce. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently mix in. Serve warm with additional dill for garnish.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Dill Pasta with Salmon!

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Pro Tips

  • For an added crunch, consider toasting some pine nuts and sprinkling them on top just before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to properly thaw it before cooking for even results.

→ What other pasta can I use?

You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine or penne.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

→ Is there a substitute for dill?

Fresh tarragon or parsley can work as alternatives if you don't have dill on hand.

Lemon Dill Pasta with Salmon

I absolutely adore this Lemon Dill Pasta with Salmon! The combination of fresh lemon and fragrant dill elevates the rich flavor of the salmon, making it a standout dish in our kitchen. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also elegant enough for a special dinner. When I made it for my family last weekend, they couldn't stop raving about how well the flavors came together. Cooking the salmon skin-side down first keeps it moist, while the pasta captures all that delicious sauce. Trust me, it will become a favorite!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Monicas

Recipe Type: Kitchen World | Global Eats

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pasta and Salmon

  1. 12 oz spaghetti
  2. 2 salmon fillets
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Dill Sauce

  1. 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  2. 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  4. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  5. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down into the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until done.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in the chopped dill and Parmesan cheese, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the lemon dill sauce. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently mix in. Serve warm with additional dill for garnish.

Extra Tips

  1. For an added crunch, consider toasting some pine nuts and sprinkling them on top just before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 27g