Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner
Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pan Weeknight Dinner
When it comes to quick, impressive weeknight dinners, nothing beats this garlic butter salmon pasta. Imagine tender flakes of salmon swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with hints of fresh lemon, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in just 30 minutes using one pan – making it the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something special without the cleanup.
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the elegance of seafood pasta you’d find at an upscale Italian restaurant with the convenience of a simple home-cooked meal. If you’re looking for more quick pasta dinners, check out our one pot creamy salmon pasta recipe for another delicious variation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz salmon fillets, skin removed
- 8 oz linguine or your favorite pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the salmon. Let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks. Add pasta, salmon, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Stir in fresh parsley and season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. For another delicious butter-based pasta dish, try our lemon cowboy butter chicken pasta.
Expert Tips for Perfect Salmon Pasta
Choosing the Right Salmon: Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets that are bright in color and firm to the touch. You can also use frozen salmon – just thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Cream Sauce Perfection: Don’t rush the sauce! Letting it simmer gently allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Pasta Pairing: While linguine works wonderfully, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape. Fettuccine, penne, or even shorter pasta like fusilli will all work great.
For more creamy pasta inspiration, our creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta offers another fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon? While fresh salmon provides the best texture and flavor, you can substitute canned salmon in a pinch. Drain it well and flake it into the sauce at the end.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of dairy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
If you’re looking for more family-friendly dinner ideas, our instant pot chicken and rice recipe is another quick meal option that’s always a hit.
Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the salmon. Let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks. Add pasta, salmon, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in fresh parsley and season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
