There’s something irresistibly luxurious about a plate of Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta—it’s the perfect marriage of velvety sauce, tender salmon, and tangy lemon that feels fancy enough for a special night but simple enough to whip up on any busy weeknight. The contrast of flaky fish with rich cream and bold garlic hits every craving, while a spritz of lemon lifts every bite. Few dishes come together this effortlessly yet deliver so much flavor, color, and pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish keeps it delightfully simple, letting each ingredient shine for flavor and texture. Every element is carefully chosen, from the silky pasta to the fresh parsley, working together to make your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta unforgettable.
- Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (8 ounces): The long noodles catch every bit of the creamy sauce, giving you the perfect bite every forkful.
- Salmon Fillets (2, about 6 ounces each): Salmon brings a buttery, flaky richness that forms the heart of this pasta.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve golden, crisp-edged salmon and keeps sticking at bay.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Gives the sauce its signature silkiness and deep flavor.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced (4): Four cloves might seem bold but their aromatic bite is absolutely essential here!
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): This ingredient transforms the sauce into a dreamy, restaurant-quality base.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish that thickens and flavors the sauce.
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and aromatic intensity that balances the richness.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): The citrusy tang lifts the entire dish and cuts through the cream.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just the right amount to bring all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): For just a hint of warmth and extra depth.
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped (2 tablespoons): Lively green color and freshness on top—it’s the finishing touch!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your fettuccine or linguine. Cook until just al dente (a tiny bit firm in the center)—this gives that delightfully toothsome bite and prevents mushiness later. Before you drain the pasta, be sure to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it helps the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles and rescues the texture if the sauce gets too thick.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Season both sides of your salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and lay the salmon in, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Let them sizzle undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes, which achieves a lovely golden crust before flipping and cooking the other side until the salmon is just cooked through. Once done, remove the fillets and set them aside. Don’t wipe out the pan—you want all those tasty bits left behind.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
In that same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter thoroughly. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and any extra salt and pepper, letting the sauce bubble quietly until it thickens ever so slightly—usually 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Take your cooked salmon and flake it into bite-sized chunks right into the skillet. Next, add your cooked pasta into the sauce as well. Use tongs to toss everything gently so the noodles and salmon are utterly coated in that luscious creamy garlic butter sauce. If it looks a little thick, just add a splash of your reserved pasta water until you hit the perfect silky texture.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Right as you’re ready to serve, sprinkle your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Dish it up immediately while everything is piping hot for maximum creamy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley really brings out the colors of this dish, while a little extra lemon zest on top adds a pop of perfume and tang. If you like, a dusting of extra Parmesan or fresh-cracked black pepper gives every plate that finishing flourish.
Side Dishes
Slice up a warm, crusty baguette to mop up any leftover sauce, or toss together a simple salad of arugula and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette. Lightly steamed green beans or broccolini pair beautifully with the creamy garlic flavors of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta in shallow bowls for a bistro-style look, twirling the pasta tall and topping each serving with generous flaked salmon and parsley. For an elegant touch, serve it family-style in a large platter and let everyone help themselves at the table—it’s truly a showstopper when you want to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool fully before transferring them to an airtight container. Your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta will keep well in the fridge for up to two days—just enough time to sneak a midnight forkful or enjoy for lunch the next day.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. The cream sauce may separate a little after thawing, but it still tastes fantastic. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to a month, and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to help the sauce loosen and become creamy again. Stir often and don’t let it boil, as this keeps the salmon tender and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While salmon brings a wonderfully rich, buttery flavor, this recipe also shines with trout or even shrimp. Just adjust the cook time based on your chosen protein.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can definitely use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and cut back slightly on butter to lighten things up. The sauce will still be silky, though a little less rich.
How do I prevent my salmon from sticking to the skillet?
Make sure your pan and oil are hot before adding the salmon, and let the fish naturally release from the pan before flipping. Using a high-quality nonstick skillet makes this even easier!
Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing.
What’s the best wine pairing for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta?
Reach for a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio—the acidity brightens the creamy sauce and complements the salmon perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is your answer. Give it a spot in your weeknight rotation—or serve it to someone you want to impress. Either way, you’ll be swooning over every forkful!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta dish. Tender salmon, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce come together to create a delectable meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the salmon: Season and cook salmon in a skillet. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, then add cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Flake salmon, add to sauce with pasta. Toss gently, adding pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute salmon with shrimp or chicken.
- For extra richness, add cream cheese to the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
