This Pasta with Salmon and Peas recipe is a quick, easy, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. In under 20 minutes, you can have a delicious dish that’s rich in protein and omega-3s, while also offering high fiber. The creamy combination of salmon, peas, and crème fraîche coats fun-shaped pasta, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 200g fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 shallot, chopped

• 100g frozen peas

• 200g cooked salmon, flaked

• 2 tbsp crème fraîche

• 50ml water

• 1 stock cube (vegetable or chicken)

• Fresh chives, chopped

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat a knob of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook for 5 minutes or until softened.

3. Add the peas, cooked salmon, crème fraîche, and 50ml of water to the saucepan. Crumble in the stock cube and stir until combined.

4. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until heated through, then stir in the chopped chives and black pepper to taste.

5. Once the pasta is ready, drain and toss it with the salmon and pea mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta.

6. Serve in bowls and enjoy a quick, healthy meal!

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~450

• Total Fat: ~15g

• Saturated Fat: ~4g

• Cholesterol: ~50mg

• Sodium: ~600mg

• Total Carbohydrates: ~50g

• Sugars: ~5g

• Protein: ~30g

A Nutritious and Flavorful Dish

Pasta with Salmon and Peas isn’t just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly nutritious. Salmon, one of the key ingredients, is an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health and supporting brain function. These healthy fats are not only good for you but also contribute to the rich, creamy texture of the dish, helping to coat the pasta beautifully.

The addition of peas brings fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal. Peas are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate, providing a nutritional boost that enhances the overall health benefits of the dish. The combination of salmon and peas creates a balanced, hearty dish that is satisfying without being overly heavy.

The use of crème fraîche adds creaminess without the heaviness of heavy cream, making it a lighter alternative that still gives the dish the richness you crave. The subtle tang of crème fraîche pairs perfectly with the salmon and peas, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both comforting and delicious.

Simple and Quick to Prepare

One of the standout features of Pasta with Salmon and Peas is how incredibly quick and easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a wholesome, flavorful meal ready in no time. The dish begins by cooking pasta—fusilli works wonderfully because its spiral shape holds the sauce well, but any pasta shape will do. As the pasta cooks, the salmon and peas are combined in a pan, along with the shallots and crème fraîche, creating a creamy sauce that coats the ingredients and infuses the pasta with flavor.

The addition of a vegetable or chicken stock cube enhances the sauce, adding an extra layer of richness and seasoning that ties everything together. In just a few minutes, everything comes together into a delicious and satisfying meal. This ease of preparation makes Pasta with Salmon and Peas the ideal choice for those busy nights when you need a quick, nourishing dinner but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

Why Salmon Works So Well in This Dish

Salmon is the star ingredient in Pasta with Salmon and Peas, and for good reason. It’s rich in flavor, tender, and packed with nutrients. The fish’s natural oil helps to create a luxurious, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the richness of the crème fraîche. The salmon also adds a depth of savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the peas, making each bite satisfying and hearty.

Using cooked salmon makes this dish even easier, as it eliminates the need for lengthy cooking times. You can use leftover salmon, or you can quickly pan-sear or bake fresh salmon for this recipe. The salmon is then flaked into chunks, which are added to the sauce, absorbing the creaminess of the crème fraîche and infusing the sauce with its savory taste. The result is a beautifully cohesive dish where the salmon is tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with the pasta and peas.

The Importance of Fresh and Vibrant Ingredients

In a dish like Pasta with Salmon and Peas, the freshness of the ingredients plays a crucial role in the overall flavor. The peas, for example, bring a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the salmon and the creaminess of the sauce. Fresh shallots sautéed in butter provide a delicate, slightly sweet onion flavor that enhances the savory notes of the fish.

While frozen peas are often used for convenience, fresh peas, if available, can elevate the dish even more by adding a pop of color and a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs, such as chives, also add a burst of freshness and a mild, onion-like flavor that complements the salmon and the creamy sauce, tying everything together beautifully.

A Versatile Meal for Different Preferences

Another reason Pasta with Salmon and Peas is so popular is its versatility. While salmon is the primary protein, the dish can easily be adapted to suit other preferences or dietary restrictions. If you’re looking for a lower-fat version, you could substitute the crème fraîche for Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative. For those who don’t eat fish, you can easily swap the salmon for chicken or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

Additionally, the vegetables in the dish are flexible—while peas are a classic addition, you can also experiment with other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or even roasted bell peppers, depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. This adaptability allows Pasta with Salmon and Peas to fit a variety of diets and tastes, making it a great choice for families with different preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While Pasta with Salmon and Peas is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the creamy pasta perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. You could also serve the pasta with some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.

For a more indulgent meal, a glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would pair well with the creamy, flavorful sauce. The acidity of the wine will help cut through the richness of the crème fraîche and enhance the flavors of the salmon.

A Healthy Meal for the Whole Family

In addition to being quick and easy, Pasta with Salmon and Peas is a meal that the whole family can enjoy. It’s rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it both nourishing and satisfying. The creamy sauce is a hit with kids, while the salmon provides essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and heart function.

Because the dish is so easy to make and can be prepared in under 20 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for busy families who want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of delicious flavors, creamy texture, and nutritious ingredients makes this dish both satisfying and family-friendly.

Conclusion

Pasta with Salmon and Peas is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines the richness of salmon with the creamy goodness of crème fraîche and the freshness of peas. It’s a quick and nutritious option for busy weeknights, offering a well-rounded dish that’s full of flavor and packed with protein, omega-3s, and fiber. The creamy sauce, combined with fun-shaped pasta, makes it a dish that’s loved by both adults and kids alike.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal, a dish that’s easy to customize, or simply a comforting dinner that’s full of flavor, Pasta with Salmon and Peas is the perfect choice. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and health benefits, it’s a meal that will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.