If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is your new weeknight hero. Imagine perfectly seared salmon mingling with ribbons of pasta, all swirled together in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s brightened up with a pop of lemon and a shower of Parmesan. Every forkful is silky, savory, and just a little bit luxurious—yet you can whip it up in about half an hour! This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each item plays an essential role in building flavor and texture for this unforgettable pasta. From the rich salmon to the sharp Parmesan, every ingredient brings something to the party.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta (8 ounces): These long noodles soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, but you can swap for penne or spaghetti if you like.
- Salmon fillets (2, about 6 ounces each): The star of the show, providing tender, flaky bites that pair perfectly with the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the salmon to golden perfection while adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The backbone of that dreamy garlic sauce—don’t be shy!
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a savory punch that makes this pasta irresistible.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick that balances the creaminess (totally up to you).
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup + extra for serving): Brings sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness with just the right amount of zing.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds freshness and balances the savory flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): A final flourish of color and herby brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your fettuccine or linguine and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. Before draining, remember to scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s your secret weapon for a perfectly glossy sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
While your pasta cooks, pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully lay in the salmon. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the exterior is golden and the center is just cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and let it rest—you’ll flake it later.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter. Once it melts and begins to foam, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step is all about infusing that butter with deep, garlicky goodness!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the garlic butter. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and take on a glossy sheen—this is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Gently flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and add them back to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, using a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir just until everything is coated in creamy, lemony, garlicky goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and another handful of Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
Garnishes
For a final flourish, top each plate with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a twist of fresh cracked black pepper. If you want to amp up the citrus, add a few curls of lemon zest. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it lifts the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted asparagus, or even simple steamed broccoli. A crusty baguette is never out of place for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl so everyone can help themselves. For a dinner party, try twirling individual nests of pasta onto plates, topped with generous flakes of salmon and a drizzle of extra sauce. Or, for a cozy night in, eat it straight from the pan with someone you love—no judgments here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers especially tasty.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. For best results, freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring well to recombine the sauce.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the salmon too much. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stovetop yields the creamiest results.
FAQs
Can I use leftover or canned salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked salmon or even high-quality canned salmon. Just flake it into the sauce at the same stage as the fresh salmon and heat through gently.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Add leafy greens just before combining everything, so they wilt but stay vibrant.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The creamy sauce and salmon work just as well with gluten-free noodles.
What’s the best way to tell if the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and is opaque in the center. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender in your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta.
How do I prevent the creamy sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on medium-low when adding the cream and cheese. Whisk continuously and avoid boiling the sauce, which helps maintain that smooth, velvety texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table), give this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta a try. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta combines tender seared salmon with a luscious garlic butter sauce, tossed with fettuccine for a comforting yet elegant meal. Infused with fresh lemon zest and Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of rich creaminess and bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Season and Sear Salmon: While pasta cooks, season salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine with garlic butter. Add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, whisking continuously until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Salmon and Pasta: Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and return to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss together gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure even coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving warm.
Notes
- Leftover or canned salmon can be used instead of fresh for convenience.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Feel free to swap fettuccine for penne, spaghetti, or your preferred pasta shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
