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Home » Course » Quick and Easy

Quick and Easy

Light Lemon Garlic Pasta with Salmon

Published: June 20, 2015   |   Updated: June 30, 2022   |   167 Comments

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4.9 from 56 reviews
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Get into summer full swing with this light lemon garlic pasta with salmon. Full of fresh, summer flavors!

Get into summer full swing with this light lemon garlic pasta with salmon. Full of fresh, summer flavors!

Here’s one of my favorite light, summery, sunny type pastas. This light lemon garlic pasta with salmon also has the good fortune of being healthy!

It’s all about simplicity and freshness. With fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, capers and salmon, you practically have summer on a plate.

Get into summer full swing with this light lemon garlic pasta with salmon. Full of fresh, summer flavors!

And to top it off, for a tiny bit of decadence, we’ll sprinkle some Parmesan loving on it. There’s no cream sauce to carry it so this is all about the goodness and tastiness of high-quality olive oil mixed with fresh, awesome flavors.

Shall we?

How To Make Light Lemon Garlic Pasta With Salmon (1 Min Video)

LIGHT LEMON GARLIC PASTA RECIPE TIPS

Start off by cooking the pasta. I went with rigatoni for this recipe but you can use any kind of pasta you like: spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, pappardelle, or other tube-type pasta. If you want it even healthier, sub with whole wheat pasta instead.

While the pasta cooks, season your salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste and bake it until cooked. You can also pan-sear the salmon for something crispier, about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. However you decide to prep your salmon, make sure to flake or cube it into bite-sized pieces so there’s enough to go around once we mix it all up later.

Get into summer full swing with this light lemon garlic pasta with salmon. Full of fresh, summer flavors!

Mince the garlic, chop the basil and get your lemon rind ready while the pasta and salmon cook. As usual, I’m gonna advocate using a microplane for grating your rind and Parmesan cheese. It’s worth it.

Drain the pasta and mix it all up with some good-quality olive oil. You’ll want something high quality because this will be the ‘sauce’ that binds the flavors together, so it has to be delicious. I used extra virgin olive oil here. If you don’t know the difference between regular olive oil, virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, here’s a great guide explaining it. Feel free to add more olive oil if you feel the pasta is a bit too dry for your liking and be sure to add some while heating up any leftovers.

Now it’s time to add some fresh basil to the pasta. If you can’t justify getting fresh basil for just one dish and don’t have any growing in your garden, an alternative is to use lightly dried basil from Gourmet Garden. It looks like this and you should be able to find it in the fresh vegetable aisle in your grocery store. They smell fresher than the usually dried herbs and keep long in the fridge. Throw in some freshly minced garlic with some salt and pepper to taste, then toss the pasta to mix.

Get into summer full swing with this light lemon garlic pasta with salmon. Full of fresh, summer flavors!

Then we add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest and capers to the pasta for some citrus flavor. By now the salmon should be cooked, so flake it, then add it to the pasta. Be gentle during the tossing so you don’t end up with salmon shreds.

The baking time of the salmon will vary depending on how thick your fillet is. The standard rule of thumb is to cook for 10 minutes per inch of thickness which is measured from the salmon’s thickest point. If you start getting too much whitish stuff, you’ve cooked it too long.

Get into summer full swing with this light lemon garlic pasta with salmon. Full of fresh, summer flavors!

And you’re ready to serve. Now the fun part begins by plating the pasta and topping it with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese. I prefer shaved cause every now and then I find a Parmesan shaving and it feels like you’ve discovered some treasure. Also, if you happen to like olives, this pasta really goes well with it!

Happy eating!

MORE SALMON RECIPES TO TRY

  • Creamy Salmon Pasta with Spinach
  • Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
  • Lemon and Parmesan-Crusted Salmon
  • Salmon Piccata
  • Salmon in Creamy Dill Sauce

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A plate of salmon pasta with fresh basil and lemon wedges.

Light Lemon Garlic Pasta with Salmon


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 56 reviews

  • Author: The Cooking Jar
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
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Description

Get into summer full swing with this light lemon garlic pasta with salmon. Full of fresh, summer flavors!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 16 oz. rigatoni/pasta
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb. salmon fillet
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons capers
  • Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, season salmon with salt and pepper to taste and bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness.
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and toss with garlic, olive oil, basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add lemon juice, zest and capers to the pasta and toss to mix.
  5. Flake the salmon into bite-size pieces.
  6. Gently toss salmon with the pasta.
  7. Dish and serve hot topped with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese.

Notes

If the pasta feels too dry when reheating leftovers, add more olive oil after heating it up.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know how you liked it, what substitutions you made, or what you paired it with in the comments below. If you enjoyed it, help me out with a  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating!

Leave A Review

posted in: Main Dishes, Pasta, Popular Recipes, Quick and Easy, Seafood, Stovetop

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. G Grabe says

    July 20, 2022

    Make this often, so easy and great tasting. Always a favourite in our house, ingredients that are always on hand, especially basil in summer.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      July 20, 2022

      Fresh basil is one of my favorite things. The plant always smells so good 🙂 I’m glad it’s a staple for your home and thanks for coming back and leaving a review.

      Reply
  2. Airam says

    July 11, 2022

    Just made this for lunch. I love salmon and this pasta dish is absolutely delish. So easy. So yummy. Feeling but with no heaviness. Absolutely delightful. I live lemony flavors and this one is perfect. I just added a bit of butter once all is mixed and it made it a bit creamier and smooth. LOVELY RECIPE!

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      July 17, 2022

      A little bit of butter is a great way to make it creamy, yum! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    May 28, 2022

    This is very delicious. I followed the recipe exactly and added a little chilli flakes with the garlic basil. This is going on rotation. Perfect summer recipe. So fresh.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      June 7, 2022

      Chili flakes are a great way to add some heat and an excellent addition!

      Reply
  4. Ali says

    February 20, 2022

    We tried this tonight (and followed the recipe exactly, minus the capers) and my littles absolutely devoured it! Thanks for such a delicious recipe! It’s going in our rotation for sure.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      February 28, 2022

      I’m so happy everyone liked it so much! Enjoy your new staple, Ali 🙂

      Reply
  5. Wayne Firns says

    November 8, 2021

    I am a plus 70 male, cooked this for the second time last night and it was super.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      November 11, 2021

      This recipe is one of my favorites too. I’m happy you enjoyed it, Wayne.

      Reply
  6. Janet Leighs says

    September 25, 2021

    HI I am trying this recipe tonight and I have added grated chilli as my partner loves it. I also have put some fried mushrooms in to bulk it up a bit – will let you know what the outcome is!

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      September 26, 2021

      Red pepper flakes are a great addition if that’s the same thing as grated chili. I hope this worked out well for you, Janet!

      Reply
  7. J says

    November 7, 2020

    It was nice and light for a pasta dish.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      November 8, 2020

      Thanks so much for coming back to let me know, J. Happy to have helped!

      Reply
  8. Emily says

    November 3, 2020

    Love this. I actually blended all the ingredients and stirred through the pasta before adding the salmon and the parmesan…. just meant I could include capers as my Husband refuses to eat them…. He was non the wiser and made a clean plate! THank you absolutely delicious

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      November 8, 2020

      I LOVE that you snuck it in. Had a great laugh reading your comment and the sneaky capers!

      Reply
  9. Rebecca Butler says

    October 6, 2020

    I made this dish tonight for the first time because my 18 year old daughter is trying to eat healthier. I used cauliflower penne pasta. I had never used that kind of pasta before and was nervous. The meal was delicious! It was also very easy! I am not very good in the kitchen so to find a delicious and healthy meal that is easy too is a major win. I will definitely make it again.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      November 8, 2020

      Hey Rebecca. Thanks for taking a chance and trying out the recipe. I’m glad it was easy enough to follow for you! I’ve never tried cauliflower pasta before; didn’t even know it was a thing till now. I’m happy you guys found a recipe that will help your daughter eat healthier.

      Reply
  10. Jason says

    September 14, 2020

    Looks like a great recipe, Its still a little wintry where i am so i will add just a splash of Chicken stock and a small splash of cream. Also switch out the Basil for some dill. Definitely the capers will rock it!and the Parmesan 😉
    Thanks for your inspiration.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      September 14, 2020

      Definitely make it a little creamy to cozy up for a chilly day. Dill will work too, I love salmon and dill. You’re very welcome and happy customizing!

      Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2020

    How long should I bake the salmon? Should I broil it too?

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      August 14, 2020

      Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. A good rule of thumb is to bake 4-6 minutes per half-inch thickness of salmon (the thickest part of the salmon, usually the middle).

      You can broil it too at 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes to glaze the top if you’d like, but that’s purely optional. It’s all going to be flaked anyway.

      Reply
  12. Jennifer Cortinas says

    June 30, 2020

    I made this last summer and loved it so much that searched for it again and am so glad I found it! Delicious and healthy! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Cortinas says

      June 30, 2020

      Meant to give it 5 stars!

      Reply
      • The Cooking Jar says

        August 14, 2020

        I’m glad you found it again and thanks for leaving a review this year. I hope it brightens your summer again next year!

        Reply
  13. pharmanda says

    June 28, 2020

    This was SO good! I used a seaweed pasta from Blue Evolution that was a great pairing. Thanks for the great (and easy!) recipe, I’ll be looking through your collection for more!

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      August 14, 2020

      Absolutely and thanks for trying it out with some fancy pasta! I’m glad it worked out. I’ve never personally tried or even heard of seaweed pasta before!

      Reply
  14. Helen says

    June 20, 2020

    I had a couple of leftover salmon fillets , always have
    pasta in the cupboard, fresh parsley was looking for a recipe and I came across yours. amazing. I added in some olives and Capers, broccoli and feta cheese on top. Yummy.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      August 14, 2020

      Excellent additions! Black or kalamata olives fit so well with this flavor profile! Broccoli works as will cut asparagus spears. It’s wonderful seeing someone build off a recipe and how creative they get. Thanks for letting us know!

      Reply
  15. Ros says

    June 16, 2020

    So delicious – thank you for creating this recipe!! Really quick to make and not too much required to make it. Perfect as was not as heavy as most pastas can be but still full of flavour. Really loved it and so did my Husband 🙂

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      August 14, 2020

      You’re very welcome, Ros! This is our go-to for spring/summer pasta. We make it practically every year. I’m glad to have shared it with your household too!

      Reply
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A plate of salmon pasta with fresh basil and lemon wedges.
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