Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta combines the richness of salmon with the velvety smoothness of a garlic butter sauce—an indulgence that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a special meal, this dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The salmon is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the creamy sauce is absolutely dreamy.

Why You’ll Love This

Rich and Creamy: The garlic butter sauce is thick, silky, and packed with flavor. Every bite feels like a warm hug.
Salmon and Pasta Combo: The combination of flaky salmon with pasta creates a satisfying, filling dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet meal on your table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
One-Pan Wonder: You’ll love how simple the cleanup is. This dish comes together in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning.

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta

Salmon Fillets

Salmon is the star of the show, bringing a rich, flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Pasta

Choose your favorite pasta—linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work wonderfully. The noodles soak up the sauce perfectly.

Butter

The butter is what makes the sauce creamy and rich, giving the dish that satisfying texture.

Garlic

A key flavor in this dish, garlic gives the sauce that savory kick and aroma that fills the kitchen.

Heavy Cream

The heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich, adding to the overall indulgence.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.

Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds color and a refreshing, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.

Lemon Juice

The squeeze of lemon at the end brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the salmon and sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add a bit of olive oil to the pan and cook the salmon, skin-side down, for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is crispy on the outside and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Flake the Salmon

Carefully flake the cooked salmon into large pieces and add it to the pasta. Gently toss everything together so the salmon is distributed evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 560
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Prep Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat in the garlic butter sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of salmon, try substituting chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! You can use whatever pasta you prefer—penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would all work great.

Q3: How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
A3: The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you’re using a thermometer, it should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.

Q4: Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
A4: Yes, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich. You can also use half-and-half if you prefer something in between.

Q5: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy?
A5: Make sure to toss the pasta with the sauce immediately after draining. If you let the pasta sit for too long, it will absorb the sauce and get mushy.

Q6: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat the sauce and pasta together before serving.

Q7: Can I add more garlic?
A7: Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove (or two) to the sauce.

Q8: What can I serve with this pasta?
A8: A crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread would pair perfectly with this dish.

Q9: Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
A9: You can make this keto-friendly by swapping the pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

Q10: Can I use store-bought sauce?
A10: While homemade garlic butter sauce is the best, you can certainly use a store-bought Alfredo or garlic sauce in a pinch.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, but with a touch of elegance. The combination of rich cream, savory garlic, and flaky salmon makes this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a flavorful weeknight meal, this pasta is sure to become a new favorite.

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