Grilled Salmon Pasta: The Easiest Weeknight Recipe

December 12, 2025

By:

Grilled salmon pasta – the words themselves conjure up a symphony of flavors. This isn't just a recipe; it's a memory on a plate. It reminds me of summer evenings spent grilling, laughing, and sharing good food with friends. The smoky char of the grilled salmon perfectly complements the creamy pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Today, I’m thrilled to share my take on grilled salmon pasta, a recipe that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

What makes this grilled salmon pasta so special? It's the simplicity. This recipe is proof that you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious. The combination of flaky, grilled salmon, perfectly al dente pasta, and a light, flavorful sauce is simply divine.

I also love how quick and easy this recipe is. From start to finish, you can have a restaurant quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu get togethers. And let’s not forget the incredible flavor – the smoky grilled salmon adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dish beyond your average pasta recipe. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and inspiring recipes.

Ingredients Needed for This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

Here's what you'll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

Salmon: 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off
Pasta: 1 pound linguine or your favorite pasta shape
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, divided
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Dry White Wine: ½ cup (optional, can substitute chicken broth)
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, fresh
Heavy Cream: ½ cup
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, plus extra for serving
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

How to Make This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect grilled salmon pasta.

Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Brush the salmon fillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon on the grill, skin side down (if using skin on). Grill for 5 7 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook.
Cook the Pasta: While the salmon is grilling, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Make the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 2 3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Flake the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully flake the salmon into bite sized pieces, removing any bones. Consider serving this delicious Skillet Salmon Rice Bowl for another quick salmon meal!

Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and flaked salmon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding a little pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve Immediately: Serve the grilled salmon pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

How to Serve This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

This grilled salmon pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

For a more elegant presentation, try plating the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or parsley and a lemon wedge. This is also fantastic as a next day dish, especially after you have tried Sheet Pan Turkey Pasta.

How to Store This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled salmon pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the pasta can be frozen, the texture of the salmon and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the salmon dry. For example, if you have leftover Grilled Cod Soup, you can freeze this too.

Tips to Make This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

Don't Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Aim for a slightly undercooked center, as the salmon will continue to cook as it rests.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor to the pasta. If you don't have parsley and dill on hand, you can substitute other herbs like basil or chives.
Adjust the Sauce: The sauce can be customized to your liking. If you prefer a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter sauce, use more chicken broth or pasta water.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the pasta. Spinach, peas, or sun dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.

Helpful Notes for This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

Salmon Selection: Look for high quality salmon fillets that are bright in color and have a fresh smell. Wild caught salmon is generally considered to be healthier and more flavorful than farmed salmon.
Pasta Choice: While linguine is the traditional choice for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle would all work well.
Grilling Considerations: If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the salmon in a cast iron skillet or under the broiler. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.

Variation of This grilled salmon pasta Recipe

Spicy grilled salmon pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta: Incorporate a spoonful of pesto into the creamy sauce for an additional layer of flavor.
Smoked Salmon Pasta: If grilling isn't an option, you can use smoked salmon instead. Simply flake the smoked salmon into the pasta at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prevent salmon from sticking to the grill?

To prevent salmon from sticking, ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled. You can also brush the salmon with oil before placing it on the grill, and avoid moving it too soon.

What kind of pasta goes best with grilled salmon?

Pasta shapes that pair well with grilled salmon include penne, farfalle, or linguine. These shapes hold the sauce and salmon pieces nicely, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.

What sauce is best for grilled salmon pasta?

A creamy lemon dill sauce, pesto sauce, or a light tomato sauce are all excellent choices. The sauce should complement the smoky flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.

Can I use frozen salmon for grilled salmon pasta?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely before grilling. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better grilling.

Conclusion

This grilled salmon pasta recipe is a true crowd pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a special occasion. The combination of perfectly grilled salmon, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta is simply irresistible. I hope you will love this grilled salmon pasta as much as my family and I do. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or how your version turned out!