Norwegian Salmon and Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick weeknight meal featuring Norwegian salmon fillets in a bright lemon-herb sauce over pasta. This norwegian-inspired pasta ready in about 22 minutes pairs penne pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 485 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.

Prep: 12 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Norwegian cuisine 485 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add salmon to skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. Add lemon zest, juice, dill, and parsley to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return drained pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Norwegian Salmon and Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (12 min prep + 10 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 Norwegian Salmon and Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Norwegian Salmon and Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

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 Norwegian Salmon and Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs 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 Norwegian Salmon and Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

Norwegian 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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