I can still remember the first time I cooked Salmon Broccoli Pasta. It was one of those nights when I needed dinner fast, but I wanted something that didn’t feel like “just another pasta.” I had a couple of salmon fillets from the weekend, a head of broccoli my youngest insisted on picking out at the store, and a box of pasta sitting in the pantry.
I threw them together with garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon—and magic happened. The salmon flaked into tender bites, the broccoli stayed crisp and bright, and the pasta tied it all together in the silkiest sauce. My kids licked their bowls clean, and I thought, why haven’t I been making this all along?
Now, it’s one of our weeknight staples. It’s comforting, colorful, and nourishing—a complete meal in one pan.
What is Salmon Broccoli Pasta?
Salmon Broccoli Pasta is a simple, nourishing dish made by tossing al dente pasta with flaked salmon, tender broccoli florets, and a light sauce—often creamy, lemony, or garlic-based. It’s hearty without being heavy and a perfect way to enjoy fish and veggies in a family-friendly dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced and nutritious with protein, veggies, and carbs in one bowl.
- Quick and easy—ready in about 30 minutes.
- Family-approved and customizable with your favorite pasta shapes.
- Works with fresh or canned salmon.
- Elegant enough for dinner parties, but simple for weeknights.
Tips for Making the Best Salmon Broccoli Pasta
- Don’t overcook salmon. Bake, poach, or pan-sear just until it flakes.
- Add broccoli to pasta water. Boil florets during the last 2–3 minutes for perfect tenderness.
- Save pasta water. A splash helps make a silky sauce.
- Balance flavors. Add lemon juice or zest to cut the richness.
- Use short pasta. Shapes like penne or farfalle catch broccoli and salmon better.
Ingredients
Pasta & Veggies
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (about 8 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ lemon, juice + zest
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli – Boil pasta in salted water. Add broccoli florets during last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Cook Salmon – Season salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pan-sear or bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, until just cooked through. Flake into large chunks.
- Make Sauce – In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Stir in cream, parmesan, lemon juice + zest. Simmer until creamy. Add pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Combine – Toss pasta and broccoli in the sauce. Gently fold in salmon pieces.
- Serve – Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
You Must Know
- Lemon is key for balancing richness.
- Cooking broccoli with pasta saves time and dishes.
- Flaking salmon last keeps it tender, not mushy.
Top Tips
- Swap salmon for shrimp or chicken for variation.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For dairy-free, use olive oil and a splash of broth instead of cream.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—salmon and broccoli lose texture.
- Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen sauce.
Helpful Notes
- Canned salmon works in a pinch—just drain well.
- Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber.
- Serve with garlic bread or a green salad for a full meal.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Giada De Laurentiis recommends undercooking pasta slightly, then finishing in sauce.
- Ina Garten always finishes seafood pastas with lemon zest for brightness.
- Jamie Oliver suggests saving pasta water—it’s liquid gold for creamy sauces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking broccoli—it turns mushy.
- Adding salmon too early—it falls apart.
- Forgetting lemon—dish will taste heavy.
FAQs
Does broccoli go with salmon?
Yes, broccoli pairs wonderfully with salmon. Its earthy flavor balances salmon’s richness, and together they create a nutritious, colorful dish.
What sauce goes best with salmon pasta?
Lemon garlic cream sauce or a light olive oil and herb sauce works best. Both balance salmon’s richness without overpowering it.
Does salmon go well with pasta?
Absolutely. Salmon adds protein and richness, while pasta absorbs flavor and creates a complete meal.
Should you boil broccoli before putting it in pasta?
Yes—add it to pasta water during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking for tender-crisp broccoli that mixes perfectly with pasta.
Conclusion
This Salmon Broccoli Pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, healthy, and comforting. The salmon is tender and rich, the broccoli fresh and bright, and the sauce ties it all together in one silky, lemony bowl.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes busy nights feel a little more special, without extra effort. Around our table, it’s proof that simple ingredients can come together and taste like something extraordinary.
Print
Salmon Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and creamy pasta with tender salmon, broccoli, and a lemon garlic parmesan sauce. Nutritious and delicious in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan
- 1/2 lemon (juice & zest)
Instructions
- Boil pasta; add broccoli in last 2–3 mins
- Cook salmon until flaky
- Make sauce with butter, garlic, cream, parmesan, and lemon
- Toss pasta and broccoli in sauce
- Fold in salmon and garnish with parsley
Notes
Add red pepper flakes for a kick, or swap cream for Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: salmon broccoli pasta, salmon pasta, lemon cream pasta
