I just finished making this Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta Recipe, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes that makes you pause after the first bite. I love how it feels fancy but comes together without any stress. When I made it, the kitchen smelled incredible, like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant.

The sauce turned out silky, rich, and perfectly balanced with the salmon. If you enjoy comforting pasta dishes with a touch of elegance, this one truly delivers. You can also enjoy similar flavors in Chinese Chicken Fried Rice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Spaghetti – 300 g: Spaghetti holds the creamy tomato sauce beautifully, but you can swap it with other long pasta if needed.
Fresh salmon fillets – 2 fillets (about 250–300 g), skin removed: Fresh salmon gives the best texture and flavor; I avoid frozen salmon because it tends to release water.
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon: Used for gently cooking the salmon and adding a subtle fruity base flavor.
Butter – 1 tablespoon: Butter adds richness and smoothness to the sauce that olive oil alone can’t achieve.
Onion – 1 small, finely chopped: A finely chopped onion melts into the sauce and creates a savory base.
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives warmth and depth; I never use jarred garlic for this recipe.
Tomato purée (passata) – 400 g: Passata provides a smooth tomato base without chunks, which keeps the sauce creamy.
Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon: This intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a slightly sweet depth.
Double cream (heavy cream) – 200 ml: Full-fat cream creates the luxurious texture; lighter creams may split.
Dried Italian herbs – 1 teaspoon: A mix of oregano and basil enhances the tomato and salmon flavors.
Salt – to taste: Season gradually, especially after adding the cream.
Black pepper – to taste: Freshly ground pepper adds gentle heat and aroma.
Parmesan cheese – 40 g, freshly grated: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and avoids a grainy texture.
Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped: Adds freshness and color right at the end.

Note: This ingredient quantity serves approximately 4 people. You could also try a hearty Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe for another comforting dinner option.

Variations

For a dairy-free version, replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
To make it lighter, use single cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of white wine before adding the tomato purée.
You can also swap salmon with smoked salmon for a deeper, smoky taste.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large frying pan – for cooking the salmon and sauce evenly
Large pot – to boil the spaghetti properly
Wooden spoon – for stirring without scratching the pan
Colander – to drain the pasta
Knife and chopping board – for prepping ingredients

How to Make Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta Recipe?

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining, as it helps adjust the sauce later.

Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook gently for 3–4 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Build the Tomato Base

Add the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the tomato purée and sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs, stirring well to combine.

Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a soft pink color.

Add the Salmon

Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and gently fold it into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go.

Combine with Pasta

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed for a silky finish.

Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for freshness and color.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I always cook the salmon just until done, so it stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
I let the sauce simmer gently instead of boiling it, which keeps it smooth.
I grate the Parmesan fresh because it melts beautifully into the sauce.
I save extra pasta water just in case the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta Recipe?

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to show off the creamy sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and a light sprinkle of Parmesan. A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad pairs perfectly and balances the richness.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 620 kcal per serving
Protein: About 35 g, mainly from salmon and cheese
Carbohydrates: Around 55 g from the pasta and tomatoes
Fat: Roughly 30 g, coming from cream, butter, and salmon

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days without losing much texture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the cream-based sauce can split and turn grainy once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons this creamy tomato salmon pasta quickly becomes a favorite:

It comes together quickly but tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
The flavors are rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced.
It’s versatile and easy to adapt for different diets.
The creamy tomato sauce pairs beautifully with tender salmon.
It feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

Ash Tyrrell