There’s something incredibly satisfying about a pasta dish that feels indulgent, yet is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is one of those meals that hits every note—rich, savory, perfectly balanced, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The inspiration? A cozy Friday night craving gone gourmet. With flaky, tender salmon, a silky garlic butter sauce, and pasta that hugs every drop of creaminess, this dish is comfort food with a touch of elegance. In other words, it’s the ideal balance between homestyle and refined. Whether you’re warming up on a winter night or treating yourself after a long summer day, it’s always the right choice.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: American
- Best for: All seasons
- Main Keyword: Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
📝 Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb fettuccine or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
- 1 ½ lbs salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Importantly, reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. After cooking, set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Salmon
Meanwhile, season your salmon with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Once done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest. Use a fork to flake it into chunks after it cools slightly.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Next, reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant and translucent—about 2–3 minutes. Following that, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Allow it to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly. This creamy base brings the whole dish together.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing everything to coat well. If needed, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Afterward, gently fold in the salmon chunks and warm through for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve
Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Use fresh salmon to achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t forget the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for creamy sauces.
- Incorporate greens like spinach or mushrooms for color and nutrition.
Ultimately, these simple tweaks can take your dish to the next level.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with crusty garlic bread or a zesty arugula salad. Furthermore, a crisp glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc makes a lovely match. To finish, a scoop of lemon sorbet adds a refreshing touch.
🔁 Flavor Variations
- Add heat with more red pepper flakes or a swirl of chili paste.
- Try a new protein like shrimp or chicken if you prefer something different.
- Make it ultra creamy by mixing in a spoonful of cream cheese.
Because of this, it’s a recipe that can flex with your preferences.
📣 Let’s Hear From You!
Have you tried this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts, photos, or unique takes in the comments. Alternatively, tag me on Instagram to show off your creation—it might just inspire someone else’s dinner tonight.