Salmon and Spaghetti

Salmon and Spaghetti

A delicious salmon and spaghetti recipe perfect for Canadian home cooks. Ready in 25 minutes.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

Calories

460

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare Ingredients

    Gather and prep all ingredients. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pasta

    Cook pasta according to package directions minus 1 minute for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    In a large skillet over medium heat, prepare the sauce base with aromatics and main flavouring ingredients.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately, garnish with fresh herbs and grated cheese. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I never add cheese to seafood pasta — it's a flavour clash that muddies both elements. Let the sea shine on its own.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

Salmon and spaghetti is one of those dishes that has quietly earned its place as a weeknight staple in Canadian homes. It brings together the richness of flaky salmon with the comfort of spaghetti tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce, finished with a generous shower of Parmesan. There's something deeply satisfying about how the olive oil and garlic bloom in the pan, then mingle with the bright acidity of canned tomatoes to create a sauce that clings beautifully to every strand.

What makes this dish especially appealing is how effortlessly it comes together. You get tender pasta, rich salmon, and a sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours — all in just twenty-five minutes. It's the kind of meal that satisfies a craving without demanding much effort, which is exactly why so many Canadian families keep it rotating through their dinner plans.

Tips for the Best Salmon and Spaghetti

Réservez toujours l'eau de cuisson des pâtes avant de les égoutter — c'est l'étape clé pour obtenir une sauce onctueuse qui adhère aux pâtes. Terminez la cuisson des spaghetti directement dans la sauce pendant deux minutes pour qu'ils absorbent le goût de la tomate et de l'ail. Et surtout, ne rincez jamais les pâtes sous l'eau froide après la cuisson.

What to Serve With It

Serve this straight from the skillet with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a hunk of crusty sourdough for mopping up every last drop of sauce. A glass of Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay works beautifully alongside it. For a complete Canadian-style meal, add roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce — microwaving tends to dry out the salmon. This dish reheats best when you give it a good stir and warm it slowly rather than blasting it.

Nutrition Facts

460

cal

31g

Protein

15g

Fat

62g

Carbs

5g

Fiber

678mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?+

Absolutely. Use about 400 grams of skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces, and sear it in the skillet before adding the tomatoes. It will give you a richer, more restaurant-quality result.

What type of canned tomatoes works best?+

Diced tomatoes in their juice work perfectly here. If you prefer a smoother sauce, crush them by hand before adding to the pan. San Marzano tomatoes will give you a sweeter, more complex flavour.

How do I keep the salmon from falling apart?+

Gently fold the salmon into the sauce during the last two minutes of cooking. Stir as little as possible and let it warm through rather than aggressively tossing it around the pan.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?+

Yes — prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine just before serving. The salmon holds up better when added fresh, so keep it separate until you're ready to plate.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?+

The sauce freezes well for up to three months, but the cooked pasta and salmon don't reheat nicely from frozen. Freeze the sauce portion and cook fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.

Tips & Tricks

  • Reserve pasta water — it's the secret to a silky sauce.
  • Don't rinse pasta after cooking unless making a cold salad.
  • Finish cooking pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to marry flavours.

Reviews (5)

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already.

David C.★★★★★

Restaurant quality at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The pasta water trick really makes the sauce come together.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. It's impressive enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.