If you’re craving a dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures in one delightful bowl, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender chunks of perfectly seared salmon enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, all tossed with silky pasta that soaks up every bit of goodness. It’s an effortless meal that feels like a special occasion, balancing freshness and indulgence in one delicious plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this dish is a breeze thanks to its simple yet crucial ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the fresh salmon adding juicy protein and color, to the garlic and butter layering in that irresistible depth of flavor.
- Salmon fillets (2): Fresh, bite-sized chunks make the dish hearty and tender.
- Fettuccine or spaghetti (8 oz): Choose your favorite pasta to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For searing the salmon to a beautiful golden crust.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The star aromatics that give the dish an irresistible kick.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the velvety texture that coats every strand of pasta.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Lends a mild heat and earthiness to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): A little spice for those who love a bit of heat.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the overall flavor and balances the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal note and pretty green color.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For that perfect cheesy finish when serving.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the noodles remain tender but still have a pleasing bite. Don’t forget to reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta water before draining — that liquid gold helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your salmon chunks lightly with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet. Cook for roughly 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust on the outside and cook through beautifully. Once done, carefully transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with that irresistible garlic aroma, laying the foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine everything nicely. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken just enough without becoming heavy.
Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce reaches a smooth, glossy texture that clings to your spoon.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Salmon
Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat every piece. If your sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve a silky, luscious consistency. Gently fold in the seared salmon chunks, making sure they stay intact and evenly distributed.
Step 7: Final Touches
Drizzle in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This final step brings freshness and vibrancy to your dish. Serve immediately, optionally topped with more Parmesan for that extra indulgence.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is essential not just for color but also for a burst of fresh herbal flavor. Pair that with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for cheesiness that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, cutting through the richness with acidity. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable also make great companions, adding texture and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy garlic butter salmon pasta in shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to pool and the pasta to stay warm longer. Garnishing with thin lemon slices or microgreens can elevate the presentation and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will mellow slightly, but the salmon and creamy sauce remain delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
Because of the cream sauce, freezing is not ideal for this dish as the texture may become grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a day or two.
Reheating
When reheating your creamy garlic butter salmon pasta recipe, do so gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the salmon. Microwave reheating is possible but be sure to stir frequently for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! While salmon adds a rich, buttery flavor, you can try this recipe with cod, trout, or even shrimp for a different but equally delicious experience.
Is this pasta recipe spicy?
The recipe is mild by default, but the optional red pepper flakes offer a subtle kick. You can adjust or omit them depending on your heat preference.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Heavy cream is key for that rich, velvety sauce, but for a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. Just note the texture might be less indulgent.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or spaghetti both work wonderfully because their shape holds the creamy sauce nicely. You can also experiment with linguine or penne if you prefer.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe is such a comforting yet elegant dish that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when friends come over. Give it a try and enjoy a plateful of creamy, garlicky goodness with tender salmon that’ll warm both your heart and your taste buds.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender salmon chunks and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines the delicate flavors of salmon with the sharpness of Parmesan cheese and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
For the Sauce
- 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
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon chunks with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes until golden on the outside and cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Combine Salmon: Gently fold the cooked salmon chunks into the pasta and cream sauce mixture, taking care not to break up the salmon too much.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when simmering the cream sauce.
- If preferred, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry. Bite-sized chunks should be cooked just until opaque.
- Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta beautifully.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
