Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s a perfect balance of savory salmon, creamy sauce, and tender pasta. It’s an easy and elegant dinner that’s sure to impress! Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
🍝 Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
🐟 Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work great)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for added brightness)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Salmon:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the salmon is fully cooked and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet that you cooked the salmon in, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or wine), stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Lemon:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the lemon zest (if using), allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to become creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Add the lemon juice to brighten up the sauce.
- Flake the Salmon:
- While the sauce is simmering, flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add the Salmon:
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and top with freshly chopped parsley for garnish. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added flavor.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: You can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of white wine vinegar to the sauce for a tangy kick.
- Add veggies: Consider adding spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes.
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat. The salmon provides a delicious depth of flavor, while the garlic butter sauce makes it indulgent and creamy.
Would you like suggestions for a side dish or dessert to pair with this meal?