Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta – Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta – Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Looking for a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes? This garlic butter salmon pasta is your answer. With tender flaky salmon, al dente pasta, and a rich buttery garlic sauce, it’s the perfect quick weeknight meal that feels special enough for company.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Fresh ingredients combine to create layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 12 oz salmon fillets, skin removed
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and gently fold into the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, use the rendered fat from cooking the salmon in your sauce
- Don’t overcook the salmon – it will continue to cook slightly when added back to the hot pasta
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love our creamy salmon spinach pasta or our cowboy butter chicken linguine for another delicious pasta option.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure proper browning.
What type of pasta works best?
Linguine, fettuccine, or tagliatelle work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. For a lighter option, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately, but you can prep the ingredients ahead to save time. The sauce may thicken upon standing, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
For more easy dinner inspiration, check out our creamy chicken penne recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta – Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and gently fold into the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
