This pasta pairs golden seared salmon with a bright, creamy garlic lemon sauce, coating tender linguine or fettuccine in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant meal but comes together with straightforward steps right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Salmon and pasta in one dish. A complete, satisfying meal with protein and carbs together.
- Bright, creamy garlic lemon sauce. Parmesan and fresh lemon balance the richness beautifully.
- A little heat if you want it. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that rounds out the flavor.
- Restaurant-style results at home. Simple technique, impressive presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Creamy Garlic Lemon Salmon Pasta
1. Cook the pasta. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season the salmon. Pat the salmon dry. Season both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Sear the salmon. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the garlic sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the cream. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the pasta. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Finish. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning to taste.
8. Serve. Place the creamy pasta in bowls and top with the seared salmon. Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Lemon Salmon Pasta
- Don’t overcook the salmon. Four to five minutes per side is usually enough for a good sear and fully cooked center, but check for doneness based on the thickness of your fillets.
- Save the pasta water. Adding it gradually helps you control the sauce’s consistency and gives it a silkier texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.
- Add lemon juice to taste. Start with the amount listed and adjust if you’d like a brighter finish.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Lemon Salmon Pasta
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely, since the pasta itself is rich and satisfying on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different fish?
Yes, trout or arctic char would both work well in place of salmon using the same searing method.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before searing so it browns properly instead of steaming.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
Half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich.
Creamy Garlic Lemon Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat the salmon dry. Season both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Place the creamy pasta in bowls and top with the seared salmon. Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and lemon wedges.