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.
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
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
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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.
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In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and let the sauce thicken slightly.
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Season with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and zest.
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Return salmon to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss gently to coat. Use pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
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Stir in spinach (if using) until wilted. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
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.
