How to Make Herb Roasted Salmon with Pasta

Have you ever wondered how a simple salmon fillet can turn into a restaurant-worthy meal at home? What if I told you that with just a few herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and the right pasta, you could make a dish that feels both fancy and comforting?
If that sounds tempting, this herb roasted salmon with pasta recipe will completely change your weeknight dinners. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night, or just yourself, this recipe brings out the best of both worlds — health and taste.

Print

This dish is all about balance — the heartiness of salmon paired with the freshness of herbs and the comfort of pasta.
The herb roasted salmon is flaky, juicy, and full of flavor, thanks to a blend of garlic, parsley, thyme, and lemon zest. The pasta, on the other hand, is tossed in a light herb-infused olive oil sauce with just the right hint of garlic and lemon. Together, they create a simple yet elegant meal that feels gourmet without being complicated.

• Time Required: About 35 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
• Serves: 2–3 people

This recipe proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. You’ll use simple ingredients to build rich, layered flavors — all without cream or heavy sauces.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make herb roasted salmon with pasta:

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

For the Herb Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or mafaldine work great)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for a mild cheesy note)
• A handful of baby spinach or arugula (for added greens)
• Toasted pine nuts (for crunch)

Substitutions and Variations:

• Salmon substitute: Use trout, cod, or halibut if salmon isn’t available.
• Herbs: Mix and match your favorites — rosemary, dill, or cilantro work beautifully.
• Pasta: Any long pasta (like linguine or spaghetti) pairs perfectly with this herb sauce.
• Oil: You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a milder flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for the perfect herb roasted salmon with pasta:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel — this helps them roast evenly and get that golden crust.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Brush this mixture generously over each salmon fillet, making sure to coat the top and sides evenly.
Let the salmon rest for 5–10 minutes while the oven heats — this allows the herbs to soak in.

Step 3: Roast the Salmon

Place the salmon on your prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
For extra crispness, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Pro tip: Don’t overcook the salmon. You want it moist and slightly pink in the center.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the salmon roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still firm).
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water — you’ll use it later to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Herb Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don’t let it brown).
Add red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, basil, and oregano. Stir gently and let the herbs bloom in the oil for a minute.
Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated in the herb oil mixture.
If the pasta looks too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Assembly

Now comes the fun part — bringing everything together!

1. Plate a generous swirl of the herb pasta in the center of a dish.
2. Gently place a piece of herb roasted salmon on top.
3. Drizzle a little extra herb oil from the pan over the salmon for added shine and flavor.
4. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color.

Presentation Tip: Serve with a thin lemon wedge or zest curls on top for a bright, fresh look. A sprinkle of Parmesan or toasted pine nuts adds elegance and texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Keep leftover salmon and pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm salmon gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Reheat pasta in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil until warm.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can season the salmon in advance and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before roasting. The herb flavor intensifies beautifully.

Avoid reheating salmon in the microwave — it can make it dry. Always reheat gently to keep that tender texture.

Recipe Variations

Once you master this base recipe, you can easily make it your own!
Here are a few fun ways to change it up:

1. Lemon-Dill Salmon Pasta: Swap parsley and basil for fresh dill and add capers for a tangy twist.
2. Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta: Replace olive oil with melted butter and toss the pasta with a touch of garlic butter sauce.
3. Spicy Herb Salmon: Add extra red pepper flakes and smoked paprika for a bold, fiery flavor.
4. Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the pasta for a Mediterranean touch.
5. Green Veggie Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.

Health Benefits

This herb roasted salmon with pasta isn’t just delicious — it’s nutritious too!

• Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain.
• Olive oil provides healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Herbs like parsley, thyme, and basil are rich in vitamins and help with digestion.
• Lemon adds vitamin C and brightens the dish naturally.

It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is actually light and good for you.

Conclusion

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. This herb roasted salmon with pasta proves that a few good ingredients and some simple steps can create a meal that looks and tastes gourmet.
The crispy, flavorful salmon pairs beautifully with the herb-infused pasta, making each bite fresh and satisfying.

Next time you’re craving something elegant but easy, skip the takeout and make this dish instead. You’ll love how quick it comes together — and how much everyone raves about it!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before seasoning.

Q2: What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Long, ribbon-style pasta like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or mafaldine works best because it holds the herb oil sauce beautifully.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or rice flour.

Q4: How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and be slightly translucent in the center. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for moist, tender fish.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q6: What side dishes go well with this meal?
Try a light green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread to complement the flavors.