Cooking up something delicious doesn’t need to be time-consuming or complicated! This creamy salmon pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick to prepare, low in calories, and packed with rich, satisfying flavours. Whether you’re whipping up a midweek meal or impressing guests, this recipe delivers indulgence without the guilt. Slimming World and Weight Watchers-friendly, it’s a hit for anyone watching their health goals.
Add a splash of pink to your dinner table with this family-friendly dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Pair flaky salmon with a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s Syn-light and packed with hidden veggies for a wholesome twist. You’ll love how versatile and budget-friendly this recipe is, making it perfect for busy evenings when time is tight but flavour is a must.
10 Reasons You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta
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Quick and Convenient
Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. -
Low in Calories
At just 360 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy creamy, indulgent pasta. -
Slimming World-Friendly
With only 3 Syns per serving, it’s easy to work into your meal plan without sacrificing flavour. -
Weight Watchers Approved
At just 6 WW Points per serving, it’s a great choice for those tracking their daily points. -
Family-Friendly
Mild flavours and a creamy texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike. -
Simple Ingredients
No hard-to-find items here – everything is budget-friendly and available at most supermarkets. -
Packed with Protein
Salmon is not only delicious but also a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. -
Customisable
Want to add veggies like peas or courgettes? Fancy switching to prawns or chicken? This recipe adapts easily to suit your taste. -
Impressive Yet Easy
It looks and tastes restaurant-quality, but you don’t need to be a chef to make it. -
Versatile Occasion
Whether it’s a casual midweek meal or a date night dinner, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
Batch Cook – Storage Information
Once the dish is cooked, allow it to cool at room temperature for no longer than 1 hour. This is essential for maintaining food safety. Spreading the pasta out on a tray or dividing it into portions while it cools can speed up the process.
Storage for the Fridge
Divide the pasta into individual airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Store the containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
Freezer Instructions
For longer-term storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label each container or bag with the date so you know when to use them, and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions (From the Fridge)
To reheat from the fridge, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s piping hot. If you prefer, reheat it in a pan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
Reheating Instructions (From the Freezer)
If frozen, defrost the pasta in the fridge overnight for the best results. Reheat as you would from the fridge, either in the microwave or on the stove. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by microwaving in 1-minute intervals, stirring frequently, until evenly heated through.
Tips for the Best Texture
When reheating, adding a splash of water, milk, or vegetable stock can help revive the creamy sauce. This keeps the dish silky and prevents it from becoming dry or clumpy. Be careful not to overcook when reheating to avoid mushy pasta.
Can this recipe be adapted?
Switch the Protein
- Replace the salmon with cooked chicken, prawns, or tinned tuna for a different twist.
- For a vegetarian version, swap salmon for roasted vegetables like courgettes, mushrooms, or butternut squash.
Choose a Different Pasta
- Use wholemeal pasta for added fibre or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Make It Dairy-Free
- Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like oat-based cream or a spoonful of blended silken tofu.
- Ensure the stock is also free from dairy-based ingredients.
Add Extra Veggies
- Bulk out the dish with vegetables such as peas, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Stir in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of colour and freshness.
Adjust the Sauce
- For a richer sauce, add a small splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream cheese and loosen it further with stock.
Make It Spicy
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give the dish a spicy kick.
Make It Kid-Friendly
- Swap the lemon juice and zest for a milder flavour like a splash of milk or cream.
- Keep the seasoning minimal and serve with grated cheese on top for an extra treat.
Adapt for Syns or WW Points
- Use fat-free natural yoghurt instead of cream cheese for a Syn-free alternative (though this may slightly alter the texture).
- Check branded low-calorie cream cheese for updated Syns or WW Points.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a side salad, garlic bread made from wholemeal rolls, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a lighter lunch, serve smaller portions alongside a soup or light starter.
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Quick & Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta
- 300g Dried pasta [Tagliatelle, penne, spaghetti, or fusilli]
- 2 x 120g Salmon Fillets [Skin Removed]
- 100g Low-fat soft cheese
- 1 Garlic Clove [Crushed]
- 1 Onion [Peeled, Diced]
- 200ml Vegetable Stock
- Zest and juice of ½ Lemon
- Fresh Parsley
- Low-calorie cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the packet instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
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Prepare the salmon: Spray a non-stick pan with low-calorie cooking spray. Gently cook the salmon fillets for 3–4 minutes on each side until flaky. Remove from the pan, break into chunks, and set aside.
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Make the sauce: In the same pan, spray a little more cooking spray. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the vegetable stock and soft cheese, stirring until smooth.
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Combine: Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest and juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
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Add the salmon: Fold in the salmon chunks and heat for a minute and season to taste.Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
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Serve: Divide into four portions, and enjoy!
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