Curried Salmon Pasta with Peas

Name: Curried Salmon Pasta with Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp curry powder; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz cooked salmon, flaked; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Recipes

I absolutely love making Curried Salmon Pasta with Peas! This dish combines the richness of salmon with the vibrant flavors of curry and the freshness of peas. The first time I served it to friends, they couldn't get enough! It's an exciting twist on traditional pasta, and the creamy sauce brings everything together in a way that's both comforting and distinctive. Plus, it's quick to make, coming together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when I want to impress.

Created by

The Florencebakes Team

Last updated on 2026-03-21T16:18:29.007Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I wondered if the flavors of curry would work well with pasta. To my delight, not only did they pair beautifully, but the salmon adds a satisfying texture that makes every bite worth savoring. The addition of peas not only brings a burst of color but also a slight sweetness that balances the dish perfectly. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those perfect evenings spent with good food and great company.

One essential tip I learned is to use fresh curry powder for a more vibrant flavor. I also like to finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the entire dish. It's a small step, but it takes the taste from delicious to extraordinary! Believe me, once you try it, you'll be adding it to your regular rotation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uniquely delicious combination of flavors with a hint of spice
Creamy sauce that envelops each piece of salmon and pasta
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any night of the week

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the unique flavor of Curried Salmon Pasta lies in the quality of both the curry powder and the salmon. Opt for a garam masala or a high-quality curry powder to ensure a rich, fragrant base that will elevate the dish. The salmon should ideally be fresh, but canned or pre-cooked salmon also works well—just make sure to select a variety low in sodium to better control seasoning.

Fresh peas add a sweet burst of flavor and a vibrant color to the dish. If frozen peas are your choice (which is often convenient), ensure they are properly thawed; adding frozen peas directly can dilute the sauce. For a unique twist, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients and a pop of green.

Technique Tip: Perfectly Sautéing Onions and Garlic

When sautéing the onions, aim for a soft, translucent texture—this typically takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat. If they start to brown, reduce your heat to avoid a bitter taste in the final dish. Garlic should be added only for the last minute of cooking to prevent burning, which can quickly turn it acrid; stir it in until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

If you want to enhance the depth of flavor, consider cooking the onions a bit longer until they are golden brown. This caramelization process adds a layer of sweetness that beautifully complements the spicy curry flavors.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful dish!

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp curry powder
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz cooked salmon, flaked
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a deliciously creamy and comforting dish.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Curried Salmon Pasta with Peas perfectly!

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Curry and Cream

Sprinkle the curry powder into the skillet and stir well to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Combine with Salmon and Peas

Add the flaked salmon and peas to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Mix in the Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Remove from heat.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious Curried Salmon Pasta with Peas!

This dish is best served warm, and I love enjoying it with a crunchy salad on the side.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute fresh salmon with canned for a quicker option.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Curried Salmon Pasta makes for a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Simply store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and mix with freshly cooked pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.

This dish holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the creaminess of the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. To remedy this, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to restore the original texture.

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch, serve your Curried Salmon Pasta with a side of garlic naan or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. A simple mixed salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.

If you’d like to scale the recipe up for entertaining, simply multiply the ingredient quantities. The cooking times will remain roughly the same since the process is quick. Just ensure that you have a large enough skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate the increased volume without crowding, which can lower the heat and change the cooking dynamics.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute with trout or another white fish if you prefer.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta for a safe option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this pasta dish?

While it's best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month; just be aware the texture may change slightly.