Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon Penne Pasta

Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon Penne Pasta

Sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that bring together comfort and freshness. This Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon Penne Pasta is exactly that—a velvety pasta with a touch of citrus, paired with the richness of sashimi-grade salmon loin. Using Barilla penne pasta, this recipe balances creaminess with zest, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend meal.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4 pax)

  • 250g Salmon Loin (Skinless, Sashimi Grade), cut into bite-sized cubes

  • 250g Barilla Penne Pasta

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

    • Cook Barilla penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

  2. Prepare the Salmon

    • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

    • Season salmon cubes lightly with salt and pepper.

    • Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through, then set aside.

  3. Make the Sauce

    • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

    • Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

    • Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

  4. Bring It All Together

    • Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.

    • Fold in the seared salmon gently to avoid breaking the cubes.

    • Season with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.

  5. Garnish & Serve

    • Top with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Serving Tip

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling lemonade for a non-alcoholic option. Add a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, and you have a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

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