Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta: A Rich and Elegant Weeknight Dinner

When I want something comforting yet classy, I make creamy garlic salmon pasta. This dish is full of tender, flaky salmon, tossed in a silky garlic cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home—perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive meal without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it brings together richness, simplicity, and fresh flavor all in one. The salmon adds protein and heartiness, while the creamy garlic sauce clings to every bite of pasta. It’s balanced with a touch of lemon and Parmesan, giving it a bright, savory finish. Whether I’m cooking for myself or someone special, this meal always feels like a treat.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into chunks)

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Heavy cream

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Lemon juice and zest

• Salt and black pepper

• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or baby spinach

Directions

1. I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.

2. In a skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and cook the salmon chunks for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. I remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same pan, I sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. I add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. I stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly.

5. I season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and zest.

6. I return the salmon to the pan along with the cooked pasta. I toss everything gently to coat in the creamy garlic sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.

7. I finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes, and the total time is around 30 minutes.

Variations

• I use smoked salmon for a bolder, saltier twist.

• For a veggie boost, I stir in baby spinach or steamed peas at the end.

• I switch up the pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat noodles.

• I’ve added sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate and the salmon may become dry.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, I’ve used canned salmon when I need a quicker option. I just drain it well and flake it into the sauce at the end.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work beautifully. I use what I have, but I love how creamy sauces cling to wider noodles.

How do I keep the cream sauce from curdling?

I make sure the cream simmers gently—never a hard boil—and I stir often while it thickens.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve made it with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. The texture holds up well, but the flavor is slightly different.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. I add red pepper flakes if I want some heat, but it’s mild and kid-friendly as written.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic salmon pasta is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—rich, savory, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. I love how quickly it comes together with just a few ingredients, and the end result is always elegant enough for guests or a cozy night in. Once I make it once, it always makes its way back into my dinner rotation.

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta: A Rich and Elegant Weeknight Dinner

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Pasta, Seafood
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is a rich, elegant dinner recipe made with flaky salmon, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for date night—ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 cup baby spinach

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook salmon chunks 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and let the sauce thicken slightly.

5. Season with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and zest.

6. Return salmon to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss gently to coat. Use pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

7. Stir in spinach (if using) until wilted. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

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Notes

• Use smoked salmon for a saltier, bolder variation.
• Stir in steamed peas or roasted cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
• For dairy-free: use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute with GF pasta.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.