9 Salmon Pasta Recipes Without Heavy Cream

Salmon is the perfect addition to your weeknight pasta for its flaky, buttery consistency. It’s also a great source of protein, vitamin D, and omega-3s — and pairs with pretty much any flavor profile. 

When you think of salmon pasta, you’re probably used to a creamy sauce, which is a common way to serve it. But these light and zesty salmon pasta recipes prove that you don’t need the cream. From chili lime noodles to southwest-inspired orzo, get ready to experiment with these fresh takes on salmon pasta. 

Related: Sign up to receive delicious recipes, expert advice, and shopping tips in your inbox!

1. Mediterranean Salmon Pasta

This bright Mediterranean dish is a perfect vehicle for salmon. It’s a satisfying mix of sweet and savory thanks to the artichokes, olives, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix in peppery arugula until wilted, then top with herby pesto. 

Try this recipe from Craving Something Healthy.

2. Baked Salmon Pasta

Pasta bakes are a make-ahead favorite. Cook salmon filets with cherry tomatoes, feta, shallots, garlic, capers, olive oil, and lemon juice. Flake the salmon with a fork into bite-size pieces and add in cooked pasta. The zing from the feta, lemon juice, and tomatoes keeps things light but full of flavor.

Try this recipe from A Couple Cooks.

3. Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

This umami spin on salmon pasta is hearty and delicious. Homemade teriyaki sauce is actually really simple to make; just combine soy sauce, a little sugar, sake, and mirin. Toss it with cooked ramen noodles, diced onion, garlic, Chinese broccoli, and, of course, salmon. 

Try this recipe from RecipeTin Eats.

4. Southwest Salmon and Orzo

Bring some heat to the table with the Southwestern flavors in this dish. Sauté bell peppers with black beans, toss in cooked orzo, and season with paprika, cumin, and garlic. A bit of Southwest-style ranch dressing brings it all together — but you could use a regular ranch and add a bit more of the spice mix you tossed with the orzo. 

Try this recipe from Beautiful Eats & Things.

5. Garlic Dill Salmon Pasta

Salmon goes so well with a lemon herb sauce — and this dish shows that an olive oil-based one works just as nicely as a creamy version. With spaghetti, roasted tomatoes, asparagus, dill, garlic, this dish offers a bowlful of favorite flavors. 

Try this recipe from The Perfect Tide.

Related:  Canned Salmon Is Better Than Canned Tuna

6. Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad is filling, healthy, and perfect for meal prep. Simply chop any veggies you have on hand, like cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and avocado. Add cooled cooked pasta and roasted salmon, and finish with a homemade mustard dressing and a little lemon. 

Try this recipe from Sugar and Soul.

7. Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta

It never hurts to add a little cheese to salmon pasta recipes, and this lemon garlic pasta is no exception. Capers and lemon juice offer brightness that complements the baked salmon. Top with chopped fresh basil and a healthy spoonful of grated parmesan. 

Try this recipe from The Cooking Jar.

8. Salmon with Chili Lime Noodles

Everyone loves a sweet and spicy combo, and that’s why this glazed salmon and spicy noodle dish works so well. Broil or grill salmon filets and spread on the soy-based glaze just as you remove the fish from the heat. Sriracha and chilis bring heat to the noodles and finely chopped vegetables lend crunch. Put it all together for a hearty and flavorful Asian-inspired dish. 

Try this recipe from Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary.

9. Spicy Salmon Linguine

If you like heat, you’ll love the kick in this spicy salmon linguine. It’s on the table in 15 minutes, yet it seems really impressive. Plus, it calls for canned salmon, so it’s budget-friendly, too. With a fresh chili, plus garlic, lemon, tomatoes, and capers, this dish offers a tantalizing mix of flavors in every bite. 

Try this recipe from The Cook Report.

Read Next: Here’s What to Do with Smoked Salmon (Besides Put it on a Bagel)