This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a rich, garlicky butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The creamy texture of the sauce, infused with garlic and parmesan, complements the delicate salmon beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish delivers indulgence with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on, deboned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and flake into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing it to simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice, mixing until smooth.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice (optional).
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon, ensuring it’s well distributed.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and top with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve warm with extra parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips for the Best Salmon Pasta:
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but canned salmon works in a pinch.
- Low and slow cooking ensures the salmon stays tender and the sauce remains creamy.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water or cream if needed.
Variations:
- Spinach Addition: Stir in fresh spinach for extra greens.
- Mushroom Twist: Sauté mushrooms with garlic for added depth.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and parmesan for nutritional yeast.
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a perfect balance of richness and freshness, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. Try it out and let me know how it turns out! 😋