Easy Creamy Salmon & Pea Tagliatelle That’ll Wow Your Tastebuds

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something utterly comforting about the rich creaminess of a pasta dish paired with the fresh burst of spring peas and the delicate flavor of salmon. That’s exactly what makes this Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle a winner in my kitchen — it’s both elegant and easy enough for any weeknight. One evening, after craving something homemade that felt a little special, I tossed together this dish with a handful of simple ingredients. The result? Silky tagliatelle swirled in a luscious, herb-kissed cream sauce, studded with tender flakes of salmon and vibrant green peas. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests but never stresses you out in the process—perfect for anyone tired of the usual fast food routine. Give it a try, and this creamy delight may soon become your go-to comfort meal.

Why choose Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle?

Deliciously simple: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and quick steps for stress-free cooking. Creamy comfort: The luscious sauce perfectly blankets every tagliatelle strand, delivering cozy satisfaction. Fresh and vibrant: Sweet peas add a burst of color and bright flavor. Healthy indulgence: Salmon provides rich omega-3s, making this both tasty and nourishing. Crowd-pleaser: Elegant enough for guests yet perfect for a comforting weeknight treat.

Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

Tagliatelle pasta – Choose fresh or dried for quick cooking and that perfect silky texture.
Salmon fillets – Rich in omega-3s and flaky when cooked just right, the star protein of this dish.
Frozen peas – Add a sweet pop of color and taste that brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream – Creates the luscious, velvety base that coats every strand of tagliatelle.
Garlic cloves – Minced for a fragrant foundation that lifts the whole sauce.
Olive oil – For gentle sautéing without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Fresh parsley – Chopped and stirred in to freshen the dish with herbaceous notes.

Seasonings & Finishing Touches

Lemon zest – Adds a zingy brightness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste and enhancing all the flavors.
Parmesan cheese – Grated over the top for a nutty, savory finish that pulls everything together.

Try to use high-quality, fresh salmon and don’t skip the peas—they make this Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle sing with springtime freshness!

How to Make Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle

Boil Pasta: Cook fresh tagliatelle in lightly salted boiling water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes for a perfect bite, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pat Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon for bright flavor.
Sear Salmon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil until shimmering, then sear salmon fillets skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden crisp, flip and cook 2 minutes.
Flake Salmon: Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes, then gently break into bite-sized flakes, preserving juicy texture for the creamy sauce.
Sauté Garlic: Return pan to medium heat, drizzle in another teaspoon of olive oil, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stir gently and let simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Peas & Zest: Stir in frozen peas and lemon zest, cooking until peas are tender and sauce turns bright green, about 2–3 minutes, for vibrant flavor and color.
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, drain tagliatelle reserving ½ cup pasta water; add pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to combine and coat every strand fully, adding water if needed.
Fold in Salmon: Gently fold the flaked salmon and chopped fresh parsley into the pasta, stirring lightly until warmed through and evenly distributed for luscious bites.
Serve & Garnish: Plate the tagliatelle, then top with grated Parmesan, extra parsley sprigs, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh finish before diving in.

Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil and pepper flakes for a kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to save time! You can prep the pasta and cream sauce up to 24 hours in advance by cooking and cooling both components separately. Cook the tagliatelle until al dente, then toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking before refrigerating. For the creamy sauce, make it with the peas and store it in an airtight container. On the day of serving, simply reheat the sauce gently over low heat while cooking fresh salmon, and toss everything together for a dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!

How to Store and Freeze Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle

Fridge: Store leftover Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the creamy tagliatelle in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce for a creamy consistency.

Airtight Tip: Always ensure your container is airtight to avoid freezer burn and maintain the dish’s delicious flavor.

Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dish with these fun ideas to add a little flair and flavor!

Herb-Infused Oil: Swap olive oil for basil or dill-infused oil to impart aromatic notes that elevate the dish beautifully.
Lemon-Butter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with a mixture of butter and fresh lemon juice for a lighter, zesty sauce. This twist makes the dish refreshing and absolutely divine!
Vegetarian Delight: Omit the salmon and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian alternative that’s just as creamy and indulgent.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute tagliatelle with gluten-free pasta alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this creamy goodness. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Add A Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños during the sautéing process for a spicy lift that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
Cheesy Variation: Mix in a blend of ricotta or cream cheese alongside the heavy cream to make an extra-rich, velvety sauce that’s utterly indulgent.
Pesto Twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto before serving for a deliciously herbaceous infusion that takes the dish to the next level!
Seafood Medley: Combine shrimp and scallops with the salmon for a seafood extravaganza—each bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors!

Let these variations inspire you to explore new flavor horizons while enjoying your own Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle masterpiece!

What to Serve with Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle?

Elevate your dining experience with perfect pairings that complement the creamy richness and fresh flavors of this delightful pasta dish.

Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery crunch of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—a classic pairing that never disappoints.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus adds a vibrant green component, and its earthy flavor contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery bite that brightens each mouthful of the rich tagliatelle.
Chardonnay: This medium-bodied white wine matches the richness of the cream while enhancing the delicate notes of salmon.
Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet serves as a light palate cleanser, leaving you feeling invigorated and ready for seconds!
Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries: Crunchy, tender zucchini fries can add a satisfying texture while keeping the meal light and summery.
Steamed Broccoli: Adding steamed broccoli not only contributes a healthy aspect but also offers a lovely pop of color alongside the dish’s creamy tones.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed fresh fruits can provide a sweet, refreshing contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Apple Tart: For dessert, an apple tart brings comforting baked flavors that harmonize perfectly, leaving a pleasant finish to your dining experience.

Expert Tips for Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle

Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor; avoid frozen fillets that may become too watery.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook tagliatelle just until al dente to retain a tender bite that holds up well when tossed in the creamy sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a perfectly silky finish.
Gentle Flaking: Flake the salmon carefully after cooking to keep nice chunks that add texture rather than mush in your Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle.
Balance the Cream Sauce: Simmer the cream gently to thicken without boiling; too high heat can cause curdling or a greasy finish.
Use Lemon Zest Last: Add lemon zest near the end of cooking for a fresh burst without losing its bright citrus aroma in the warm sauce.

Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle Recipe FAQs

How do I know if the salmon is fresh enough for this recipe?
Look for salmon fillets that have a bright, vibrant color and a firm texture. Avoid any with dark spots all over or a strong fishy smell—fresh salmon should smell mild and clean. I recommend buying from a trusted fishmonger for the best quality.

What’s the best way to store leftover Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle?
Place your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce silky.

Can I freeze Salmon & Pea Creamy Tagliatelle? If so, how should I freeze and thaw it?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring in a little cream or reserved pasta water to restore that luscious creaminess.

What if my cream sauce becomes too thick or starts to separate?
This can happen if the cream is boiled too hard or cooked for too long. To fix it, lower the heat immediately and stir in a small amount of reserved pasta water or more cream until the sauce smooths out. Gentle simmering is key to keeping that velvety texture!

Is this dish safe for pets or suitable for people with dairy allergies?
This recipe contains salmon and cream, so it’s not suitable for dogs or cats due to seasoning and dairy content. For dairy allergies, you might try substituting heavy cream with a lactose-free cream alternative or coconut cream, but note it will slightly change the flavor and texture. I always suggest checking allergy-friendly versions before serving guests with sensitivities.