Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is an indulgent yet easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Featuring tender, flaky salmon, a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers.

The combination of rich butter, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon juice enhances the natural flavors of the salmon, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but cooked through).
Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and cut them into bite-sized chunks.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the salmon pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
Add the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Stir well.
Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
Carefully place the seared salmon on top of the pasta.
Lightly toss everything together, being careful not to break apart the salmon too much.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan over the pasta.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

Add Vegetables: Try stirring in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra nutrients.
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Substitute the Pasta: Swap fettuccine for linguine, spaghetti, or even penne for a different texture.
Use a Different Protein: If you don’t have salmon, this dish works beautifully with shrimp, chicken, or even scallops.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Cooking Notes

Salmon Tips: Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry. It should be cooked just until it flakes easily with a fork.
Creamy Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of pasta water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an additional minute to thicken.
Garlic Flavor: For a milder garlic taste, use roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence.
Pair with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Enjoy with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect meal.

Tips

✅ Use Fresh Salmon – Fresh, high-quality salmon will give the best flavor and texture.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercook the pasta before adding it to the sauce, as it will continue cooking in the pan.
✅ Adjust the Sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water; if it’s too thin, add more Parmesan cheese.
✅ Enhance with Herbs – Fresh basil or chives can be used for extra flavor.
✅ Lemon Zest Boost – Add a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing citrusy twist.

Prep & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: ~500 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Sodium: ~450mg

(Nutritional values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and salmon ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving for the best texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.

Q: What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or coconut cream as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes! Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe—just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a delicious, satisfying dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The richness of the cream sauce pairs perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon, while the garlic and Parmesan add depth to every bite. This dish is ideal for a cozy night in, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.

Give this recipe a try and impress your family with a homemade meal that rivals any restaurant dish!

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 25 minutes

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