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One-Pot Creamy Salmon Pasta

This Creamy Salmon Pasta is an easy one-pot dinner made with perfectly seasoned Cajun salmon, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Ready in about 40 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salmon
  • 1 lb salmon fillets cut into large filet-sized pieces
  • 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley
  • ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • For the Pasta
  • 8 oz calamarata pasta or your favorite pasta
  • 32 oz chicken broth
  • 12 oz heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1-2 cups shredded cheese I used mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and medium cheddar
  • Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes

Method
 

Season the salmon
  1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil, butter, then season both sides with the Cajun seasoning, Dried Parsley, Thyme, Old Bay, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. For even more flavor, let the salmon rest in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
Cook the salmon
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown on the outside and flaky inside. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the skillet
  1. If needed, carefully wipe away any burned bits or excess grease from the skillet with a paper towel, leaving a little oil behind for flavor.
Cook the pasta
  1. Add the dry pasta to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the butter, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost al dente. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream while the pasta cooks.
Make the creamy sauce
  1. Stir in the shredded cheese until completely melted and smooth. Continue cooking until the sauce is rich, creamy, and coats the pasta.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream. If it's too thin, add a little more shredded cheese and simmer for another minute or two until thickened.
Finish the pasta
  1. Place the cooked salmon over the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!