Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salmon
1 lb salmon fillets (skin removed)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1–2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
For the Pasta & Sauce
10–12 oz pasta (linguine, penne, fettuccine, spaghetti)
2 tbsp butter
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk (or more cream)
1 cup fresh Parmesan, grated
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional but brightens the sauce)
For Garnish
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon wedges
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the salmon
Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add salmon and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky.
Add 2 tbsp butter during last minute to baste the salmon.
Transfer to a plate and gently flake into chunks.
3. Make the creamy garlic butter sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
Add garlic → sauté 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream + milk → simmer gently.
Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Add lemon juice if you want a fresh pop of brightness.
4. Combine
Add cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat.
Gently fold in the flaked salmon—they should stay in nice pieces.
5. Serve
Top with:
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon wedge squeeze
Creamy. Garlicky. Buttery. Perfection.
⭐ Tips & Variations
Spinach Salmon Pasta
Add 2–3 cups fresh spinach to sauce and wilt before adding salmon.
Sun-Dried Tomato Version
Mix in ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Cajun Salmon Pasta
Season salmon with Cajun seasoning instead of paprika/garlic powder.
Extra Creamy
Add 2 oz cream cheese into the sauce.
Lighter Option
Use half-and-half + vegetable or chicken broth.
If you want, I can also give you:
🔥 Cajun Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
🍋 Lemon Parmesan Salmon Pasta
🧀 Baked Salmon Alfredo Pasta
Just tell me!
