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
Scale
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
