Salmon Pasta Without Cream

This salmon pasta without cream is a classic dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Many recipes for salmon pasta call for heavy cream, which may need to be avoided if you are allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant. If you’re looking for a lighter and healthier alternative, this salmon pasta without cream recipe is perfect for you. This recipe uses a simple but flavorful sauce and this dish is also packed with nutrients. It’s quick and easy to make, so it’s great for a weeknight meal. It’s also elegant enough to serve to guests. This meal is also easily made gluten free and dairy free!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta

It’s ready in under 30 minutes!

This dish is creamy without being super heavy.

Salmon pasta is versatile and can be customized to your liking!

This pasta can easily be made gluten free and dairy free.

It is a good source of omega-3s and vitamins! In addition, it is low in carbs and high in protein.

This salmon pasta is a great way to use up leftover salmon.

Equipment Needed

To make this salmon pasta without cream, all you’ll need is a pot and a pan. I love using my Caraway pans because they are non-toxic and also gorgeous.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta: I am gluten free so I use gluten free pasta. My favorite brand is Jovial. I love ordering gluten free staples like pasta from Thrive Market because they have great prices and they deliver right to your doorstep. If you use my link, you can get 40% off your first order.

Salmon: I like to use high-quality and wild caught fish whenever I can. My favorite place to get my meat and fish is Butcher Box because they have organic and high-quality options and it gets delivered right to your door! 

Garlic: Garlic is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese and copper. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Garlic is a delicious way to add flavor to this pasta dish.

Sweet Onion: Sweet onions are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used to add flavor to the creamy red pasta sauce.

Canned Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are a great option for making homemade marinara sauce. They are convenient, affordable and have a long shelf life. Plus, they are packed with flavor and nutrients. If you are looking for a spicer or more flavorful marinara sauce, you can use fire-roasted canned tomatoes.

Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that is made by cooking tomatoes until they are thick and reduced in volume. It is very concentrated in flavor, so it can add a lot of depth and richness to marinara sauce. It also helps to thicken this creamy sauce and give it some texture.

Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It is a great way to make pasta sauce dairy free!

Salt: My favorite salt is Redmond’s Real Salt because it is high-quality and made with zero fillers. If you use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR you can get 15% off Redmond’s website.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook pasta according to instructions on box.

Step 3: While pasta is cooking, season the salmon filets with salt and pepper and sauté in a pan over medium heat. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Remove the salmon filets from the pan and place aside. Brown the garlic and onion in the pan over medium heat.

Step 5: Add in canned tomatoes and tomato paste and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Add in coconut milk and combine.

Step 7: Stir in pasta.

Step 8: Add salmon on top. Feel free to either serve with filets on top or flake the salmon and combine it with pasta. Both ways are delicious!

What To Use Instead of Cream

This delicious salmon pasta is made without any cream! In order to get a creamy and delicious flavor, I used canned coconut milk instead of cream in the pasta sauce. Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It is a great way to make pasta sauce dairy free!

Greek yogurt is a healthy and delicious alternative to cream. It has a thick, creamy texture and a tangy flavor that pairs well with many pasta dishes. To replace 1/2 cup of coconut milk, use 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin the sauce to the desired consistency. If you are dairy free, feel free to use coconut yogurt instead.

If you are not dairy free, feel free to also use whole milk instead of cream. You can use 1/2 cup whole milk instead of the 1/2 cup coconut milk.

Another option is using cream cheese in this recipe instead of milk. If you are dairy free, feel free to use dairy free cream cheese. To replace 1/2 cup of coconut milk, use 1/4 cup cream cheese.

Storage

I recommend eating this pasta right away, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat this salmon pasta without cream, cook it slowly over medium heat. If the pasta is too dry, add a splash of water to the pan before reheating. Stir the pasta frequently to ensure that it heats evenly. Do not overcook, or the salmon will become dry. Alternatively, reheat the pasta in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Variations

This salmon pasta without cream is a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways!

If you want to mix things up, feel free to switch up the pasta type or shape! Try out spaghetti, macaroni, rigatoni, gnocchi and more. This recipe would be delicious with my air fryer gnocchi.

You can also add additional vegetables to this dish, if you desire! Some ideas are: broccoli, kale, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus and mushrooms.

Toppings are a great addition to this salmon pasta as well. Feel free to add fresh herbs, dairy free cheese, nuts, seeds or breadcrumbs.

How To Serve

Salmon pasta is best enjoyed fresh, when the pasta is still al dente and the salmon is still moist and tender. Fresh parsley, basil and dill are all great garnishes for salmon pasta. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (dairy free if needed) for extra flavor and richness. A light green salad or some roasted vegetables are the perfect accompaniments to salmon pasta.

Here are some side dishes that would pair well with this salmon pasta without cream: roasted broccoli, sautéed asparagus, steamed green beans and roasted brussels sprouts.

If you are a fan of this creamy pasta dish, check out my pumpkin pasta and creamy mac and cheese as well!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?

I have not tried this recipe using canned salmon. I would definitely recommend using fresh salmon as it will taste the best!

What temperature do you cook salmon in the oven?

The best temperature to cook salmon in the oven is 400°F. This will ensure that the salmon cooks through evenly without drying out.

What makes salmon taste better?

Personally, I think what makes salmon taste great is a great marinade or including it in a pasta. I am not fond of a plain piece of salmon, so I definitely like to dress it up!

What vegetables go well with salmon?

Any vegetables can go well with salmon! I personally like to pair my salmon with broccoli, asparagus or a side salad.

What kind of pasta goes with salmon?

You can use any pasta here! I like to pair it with spaghetti, macaroni, rigatoni, gnocchi or fettuccine.

What can I use instead of cream in pasta?

I used coconut milk instead of cream in this recipe!

Does pasta go well with salmon?

Yes, pasta and salmon go very well together. Salmon is a rich and flavorful fish, while pasta is a neutral and versatile carbohydrate. The two ingredients complement each other perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

What to eat with salmon?

Salmon pairs well with a variety of vegetables, including roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and zucchini. You can also serve salmon with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Salmon also goes well with a variety of grains, including rice, quinoa and pasta!

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these delicious dinner recipes next:

Shepherd’s Pie

Taquitos

Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Air Fryer Chicken Burgers

If you make this salmon pasta without cream and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.