Pasta with Salmon Peas is seriously the answer when dinner panic strikes. You know those nights. You stare blankly at your fridge, hungry but not in the mood to fuss. Same. That’s exactly why I fell in love with this recipe. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it tastes like something from a fancy Italian joint (without the actual Italian nonna judging your sauce). If you love quick seafood meals, you’ll probably want to check out these 7 easy canned salmon recipes you’ll love to make too.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Look, I’ve tried a lot of “easy” dinners that end up being sneaky hard. But this Pasta with Salmon Peas? Genuinely simple. The whole thing comes together in about half an hour. Maybe a bit less if you already know where the measuring cups hide.
You really only need like seven ingredients, and one is just water. Plus, you can tweak things. Got fresh salmon? Great. Canned will work in a pinch. Frozen peas? Fine by me. And the flavor? Honestly bright, creamy, and comforting at the same time. Even my picky teenager goes back for seconds. Sometimes I toss in lemon zest if I’m feeling wild.
A friend of mine made it for her book club. She said,
“I wasn’t expecting much but they practically licked the bowls! Even my neighbor, who always says she ‘doesn’t like fish,’ wanted the recipe. Major win.”
Trust me, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated pasta dishes.

The ingredient list is short
I don’t have patience for a shopping list longer than my receipt from the drugstore. This dish keeps it real. Here’s what you truly need for this Pasta with Salmon Peas—nothing fancy hiding, promise.
You grab some pasta (penne, farfalle, or spaghetti, whatever shape you like). Salmon, of course. I usually use canned if I’m pressed for time. Peas—frozen are perfect because who has time to shell fresh ones? Garlic for flavor. Cream, milk, or even a bit of cream cheese if you want it super rich. Salt, pepper, maybe a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (if you’re feeling gourmet).
That’s literally it. It’s shockingly doable, even for a tired Tuesday evening. And hey—if you happen to forget the cream, a splash of reserved pasta water gets you by in a pinch. Pasta with Salmon Peas doesn’t judge.
How to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, oh wow, you’re in luck. Cooking salmon this way is so hands-off it feels like cheating. Just pop those fillets in the basket, set it up, and wait for the magic.
Sprinkle your salmon with salt, pepper, a dash of olive oil (or butter if you’re feeling it), and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice for some zing. Place it in your air fryer basket, skin side down if it’s still got skin. Set the temp around 400 degrees. Ten minutes is usually plenty for a fillet. Smaller pieces take even less, so keep an eye on ‘em.
Salmon comes out flaky, juicy, and honestly a little restaurant-y. Slice, flake, and toss straight into your pasta with peas. You could air fry earlier in the day and just keep it in the fridge until dinnertime. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Serving and Storing
Serving up Pasta with Salmon Peas? Oh, this is the best part. I’m a big fan of piling it into wide bowls, so nothing escapes. If you want some quick ways to make it even more mouthwatering, check this out:
- Top with a pinch of fresh dill or chopped parsley. It just looks and tastes fancier.
- Hit it with fresh lemon zest. Major brightness.
- A drizzle of olive oil gives it that extra lushness.
- Pair with crusty bread, perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Leftovers? Super easy. Store in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to keep the sauce smooth.
More Easy Pasta Dishes
So you’ve mastered this one and want to branch out a bit? Love that energy. A few other favorites around my house include creamy garlic pasta (a real hug in a bowl) and One-Pot Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, which is kind of ridiculous in the best way. If you like canned fish ideas, you might also want to peek at some easy and tasty canned salmon ideas you’ll love next time you’re out of fresh stuff.
Plus, pasta’s just the best blank canvas, right? Add some roasted shrimp, toss in extra veggies, or swap in different herbs. I’m here for all the quirky combos people dream up. If you come up with a new twist, honestly, tell me. I love hearing about pasta experiments gone right.
Common Questions
What type of pasta works best with salmon and peas?
Honestly, whatever you like. I usually grab penne or rigatoni, but linguine works too.
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
Totally. Just drain it well and flake it in. Makes life simple and cuts down on prep.
Is it okay to use frozen peas?
Yep. No need to thaw—chuck them right in near the end of cooking so they don’t go mushy.
What if I don’t want cream in the sauce?
A little reserved pasta water and a spoonful of olive oil still gives you a nice sauce, creamy or not.
How do I keep leftovers from drying out?
Add a splash of milk or even a tablespoon of water before reheating. Microwaves zap moisture, so this makes a difference.
Go Make It Tonight (You’ll Thank Me Later)
So if you’re looking for an easy win for dinner, Pasta with Salmon Peas kinda knocks it out of the park. It’s quick, forgiving, and the leftovers are dreamy. Trust me, you won’t miss those complicated recipes. And if you ever want to play around with fancy flavors, try a classic like Pasta salmone e piselli (Pasta with Salmon and Peas) or jazz it up like they do in this Farfalle with Salmon, Lemon, and Peas recipe. This pasta dish will turn a plain weeknight into a little celebration—and really, who doesn’t need more of those?

Pasta with Salmon and Peas
A quick and easy pasta dish featuring salmon and peas that comes together in about half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, farfalle, or spaghetti)
- 1 can canned salmon, drained (Fresh salmon may also be used.)
- 1 cup frozen peas (No need to thaw.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream or milk (Cream cheese can be used for a richer sauce.)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- optional fresh herbs (e.g., dill, parsley) (Used for garnish.)
- optional lemon zest (For added brightness.)
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the canned salmon (or freshly cooked salmon) and frozen peas to the skillet, stirring gently.
- Pour in the cream or milk, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
Combining Everything
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
Serving
- Serve the pasta in wide bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest if desired.
- Drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.