If you’re on the hunt for a quick, creamy, and utterly irresistible dinner, Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta is the kind of dish that checks every single box. Silky strands of pasta mingle with tender salmon, all wrapped in a luscious crème fraîche sauce that’s kissed with lemon and chives. It’s a weeknight lifesaver but sophisticated enough for guests — and if you’re anything like me, you might end up eating this straight from the pan long before it hits the table!

Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one serves a purpose, from the richness of salmon and cream to the zing of lemon zest and the fresh pop of chives. Here’s what brings everything together:

Pasta: Any shape works, but long noodles or short, sturdy pasta hold the creamy sauce especially well.
Salted Butter: Adds a gorgeous depth and silky texture as the base for sautéing.
Shallots: Their mild sweetness brings balance and gentle aromatic notes to the sauce.
Salmon Fillet: The star protein — rich, flaky, and savory. Cut it into uniform cubes for even cooking.
Lemon Pepper: Brightens the dish and highlights the natural flavors of the salmon.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the flavors and making every bite pop.
Ground Black Pepper: A bit of heat and earthiness to contrast the creaminess.
Crème Fraîche: Delivers a velvety tang that defines the sauce and keeps it light.
Cream: Rounds out the sauce, making it extra luscious without being too rich.
Lemon Zest: Adds a punchy citrus aroma that lifts the entire dish.
Chives: A final hit of freshness, color, and gentle onion flavor — don’t skip them!

How to Make Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Shallots in Butter

Start by setting your pan over medium-high heat and dropping in the butter. Once it’s melted and fragrant, toss in the finely chopped shallots. Sauté for about two minutes, just until they’ve softened and turned translucent. This step builds the aromatic base and infuses the entire Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta with mellow sweetness.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Time for the star of the show! Add your cubed salmon to the pan and season with lemon pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir gently to coat every piece. Let the salmon fry for about two to three minutes until each cube has a beautiful sear and is cooked almost all the way through. You want those lovely browned edges while keeping the inside tender.

Step 3: Make the Saucy Magic

Now comes the truly irresistible part — pour in the crème fraîche and cream. Stir everything together and let the sauce bubble gently for about two minutes. This is when the Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta really comes together, as all the flavors meld into that signature velvety consistency.

Step 4: Add Lemon Zest

Sprinkle the lemon zest over the saucy salmon, then give everything a good stir. Let the sauce simmer for another minute, just to infuse that uplifting citrus into every forkful. This seemingly small step is what brightens the entire dish and keeps it tasting fresh.

Step 5: Finish with Chives and Toss the Pasta

Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped chives. Now, add the cooked pasta straight into the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in that creamy, salmon-studded sauce. Serve immediately — trust me, resistance is futile.

How to Serve Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

Garnishes

To make your Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta even more inviting, top each bowl with a sprinkle of extra chives, a final dusting of lemon zest, and maybe a twist of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil or a spoonful of salmon roe can turn it into a real show-stopper for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette to complement the richness, or serve a side of roasted asparagus, tender green beans, or blistered cherry tomatoes for a little color and crunch. A slice of crusty bread is fantastic for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can level up your Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta by serving it in small bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining. Top with microgreens, swirl the sauce artfully, or add a few-oven roasted cherry tomatoes for a beautiful pop of color. For dinner parties, individual nests of pasta look striking, especially garnished with a few whole chive stalks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to two days — after that, the salmon texture can start to change, but the flavor is still delightful.

Freezing

While the sauce is naturally creamy, freezing can sometimes separate the dairy. If you do want to freeze, allow the pasta to cool fully, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk, and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. This helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps the salmon from drying out — microwave only if you’re in a rush, and do so in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use smoked salmon instead of fresh?

Absolutely — smoked salmon brings an enticing, smoky flavor to Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta. Just add the smoked salmon at the end, off the heat, so it stays tender.

What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Long pasta, like linguine or tagliatelle, is classic for creamy sauces, but short shapes such as penne or fusilli also work by catching the luscious sauce in every groove. Choose what you love most for your Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta experience.

Can I swap out crème fraîche for something else?

Yes, full-fat sour cream or even Greek yogurt can be substitutes. Keep in mind that crème fraîche adds a distinct tang and creaminess that’s key to the signature taste, but swaps will still be delicious!

Is it safe to use leftover cooked salmon?

You can use leftover cooked salmon in Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta. Just add it at the very end, folding it into the sauce so it gently reheats and stays tender.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater, making sure you only take the bright yellow outer zest — the white pith underneath is bitter. Zest the lemon directly over the pasta for maximum citrus aroma and freshness!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, few recipes combine elegance and comfort the way Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta does. If you’re craving something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, let this become your new weeknight favorite — once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a luxurious yet simple dish with this Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta recipe. Creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor, it’s a perfect choice for a special meal or a delightful weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Shallots: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add butter and shallots. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
Salmon: Add cubed salmon, lemon pepper, salt, and black pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes until almost cooked through.
Sauce: Stir in crème fraîche and cream. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Lemon: Add lemon zest, simmer for another minute.
Chives: Remove from heat, mix in chives. Combine with cooked pasta. Serve hot.