Lemon-Herb Salmon with Capellini

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets bathed in a bright lemon-herb sauce, paired with delicate capellini pasta for a light yet satisfying dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, capellini pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz capellini and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and 1 tbsp chopped dill. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add lemon zest, white wine, and chicken broth. Simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in 1 tbsp butter until melted and glossy, then add lemon juice and remaining dill. Cook for 1 minute until sauce clings to pasta.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Salmon with Capellini take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Herb Salmon with Capellini?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Salmon with Capellini?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Herb Salmon with Capellini for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon-Herb Salmon with Capellini?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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