Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is a luxurious yet simple dish that combines flaky, tender salmon with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for a weeknight indulgence or a special dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The balance of savory, buttery, and fresh notes makes it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

For the Salmon:

• 1 pound salmon fillets, skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta and Sauce of Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon :

• 12 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Cook the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). Remove from skillet, flake into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the salmon, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
2. Gently fold in the flaked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Shrimp Swap: Replace salmon with 1 pound of peeled, deveined shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
• Herb Twist: Use fresh dill or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Notes of Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Choose wild-caught salmon for a richer flavor, if available.
• Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Enjoy with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.

Tips

• Remove salmon from the fridge 10 minutes before cooking for even searing.
• Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 650-700 kcal
• Protein: 35-40 g
• Sodium: 600-700 mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Q3: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Absolutely, penne, rigatoni, or even tagliatelle work well. Adjust cooking time per package.

Q4: How can I make this less rich?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons for a lighter sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic butter salmon pasta is a quick, elegant dish that brings together the best of tender seafood and indulgent flavors. Perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Try it for a comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite!