Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta

If you’re looking for an easy yet restaurant-quality meal, creamy garlic butter salmon pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines flaky salmon, rich garlic butter sauce, and al dente pasta to create a comforting and flavorful experience.

Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it also offers excellent nutritional benefits. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction. If you want to learn more about the benefits of salmon, check out this comprehensive nutritional guide.

Pairing salmon with pasta may seem unconventional, but it’s a well-loved combination. The addition of garlic butter sauce elevates the dish, bringing richness and depth. If you’re curious about other pasta types that pair well with creamy sauces, take a look at this pasta selection guide.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.

• Rich & Creamy: A velvety garlic butter sauce coats every bite.

• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.

• Versatile: Works with different pasta shapes and substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets, skin removed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Equipment Needed

• Cookware: Large pot for boiling pasta, non-stick skillet for cooking salmon and sauce.

• Utensils: Sharp knife, wooden spoon, tongs for handling pasta.

• Others: Measuring cups and spoons, colander, zester for lemon zest.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.

3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Salmon

1. Pat dry the salmon fillets and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

3. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).

3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously.

4. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.

5. Slowly mix in ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

2. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently mix it in.

3. If needed, add more reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.

4. Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Variations and Substitutions

• Alternative Proteins: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

• Vegetarian Adaptations: Add spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus.

• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Options:

  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.

  • Use gluten-free pasta.

• Flavor Enhancements:

  • Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or artichokes.

  • Experiment with basil, tarragon, or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread.

• Wine Pairings: Try Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

• Presentation Tips: Garnish with Parmesan shavings and lemon zest.

For wine pairing ideas, check out this wine and seafood pairing guide.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm on the stove with cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

• Freeze: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces tend to separate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Salmon: Keep heat medium-high for a crispy sear.

• Sauce Too Thick? Add reserved pasta water gradually.

• Overcooking Pasta: Always cook al dente for better sauce absorption.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry before cooking.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, and penne hold the sauce best.

How do I make this dish spicy?

Add extra red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, but store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic butter salmon pasta is a rich, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Combining the flavors of garlic, butter, and fresh salmon, this pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

A luxurious and flavorful salmon pasta dish with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

See also  Southern Caramel Cake

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat dry salmon fillets and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
6. Slowly mix in ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
8. Flake salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently mix into the pasta.
9. If needed, add more reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
10. Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, cook salmon on medium-high heat for a crispy sear. Adjust sauce consistency with pasta water as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: salmon, pasta, creamy, garlic butter, seafood