Irresistible Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Salmon pasta with a creamy garlic sauce.

a culinary symphony of salmon pasta dances between rustic comfort and refined sophistication.

Silky strands of pasta intertwine with succulent salmon, creating a harmonious blend that whispers gourmet elegance.

garlic aromatic essence weaves through the creamy sauce, upgradeing simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Every forkful promises a luxurious experience that feels both indulgent and surprisingly effortless.

Home cooks can master this recipe with minimal technique and maximum flavor impact.

The dish represents a perfect balance between impressive presentation and straightforward preparation.

Your dinner guests will be utterly captivated by this restaurant-quality creation.

Why Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce Is a Weeknight Hero

• Craft Luxurious Flavor Layers: The recipe builds complex tastes by combining salmon, garlic, wine, cream, and parmesan cheese, creating a rich, sophisticated dining experience that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal.
• Quick Gourmet Weeknight Solution: This pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen or requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Food Remix: Salmon provides high-quality protein while pasta offers satisfying carbohydrates, making this recipe a balanced, nutritious meal that feels indulgent yet supports wellness goals with its impressive nutritional profile.
• Flexible Cooking Technique: The one-pan method allows easy preparation, minimal cleanup, and seamless integration of ingredients, enabling home chefs to create a restaurant-style dish with straightforward cooking steps and minimal kitchen equipment.

Must-Have Ingredients for Salmon Pasta with Garlic Sauce

• Salmon Fillet: Fresh, wild-caught preferred for rich flavor and best texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance salmons natural taste.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle depth and aromatic background to the fish.

• Pasta: Classic pasta like linguine or fettuccine works best for creamy sauces.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid helps bind sauce and adjust consistency.
• White Wine: Adds complex flavor and helps deglaze the cooking pan.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall dish and balances creamy sauce.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and contributes to sauces depth.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring intense, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes and helps sauce become creamy.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal garnish and color contrast.

Step-by-Step Salmon Pasta with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Water

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 2: Season Salmon

• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Cook Salmon to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Carefully place salmon fillets in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer cooked salmon to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Roux Base

Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle flour into the same skillet. Whisk constantly for 30 seconds until lightly toasted and golden.

Step 5: Build Flavor Foundation

Add minced garlic and white wine to the skillet. Let the mixture bubble and sizzle for about 20 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.

Step 6: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Incorporate Cheese

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.

Step 8: Reunite Salmon with Sauce

Return salmon to the skillet. Gently break into bite-sized chunks using a spoon. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Reserved pasta water
• Chopped fresh parsley

Mix thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately. Optionally top with additional parmesan cheese for extra richness. Serve hot and savor the delightful combination of flavors.

Tips to Nail Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with a vibrant pink color and firm texture for the best flavor and texture.
• Master the Sear: Cook salmon at medium-high heat to create a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water gradually, ensuring a smooth and silky texture.
• Balance Flavors Carefully: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as parmesan cheese already brings a salty element to the dish.
• Prevent Overcooking Salmon: Watch cooking time closely, removing salmon from heat when it's just opaque to maintain its delicate, flaky texture.

How to Store and Reheat Salmon Pasta with Garlic Sauce Like a Pro

• Refrigeration
• Store leftover salmon pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Place container in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Method
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the sauce's creamy texture. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to prevent drying out. Stir frequently for even heating, taking about 3-4 minutes until the pasta reaches a steaming temperature.
• Freezing Option
• Freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon freezing, so whisk thoroughly when reheating to restore original consistency.

Great Pairings for Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy salmon pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness and complements the salmon's delicate flavor.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy texture and add a zesty, peppery contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or baguette slices to soak up the luxurious garlic cream sauce and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives on top to brighten the dish's flavor profile and add a pop of color and freshness.

Different Spins on Classic Salmon Pasta with Garlic Sauce

• Spicy Salmon Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery flavor profile that brings extra heat to the creamy pasta dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh dill, oregano, and basil into the sauce, replacing parsley with these aromatic herbs to give the dish a Greek-inspired Mediterranean essence.
• Smoky Salmon Sensation: Use smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon and add a touch of liquid smoke to the sauce, creating a deeper, more intense flavor that transforms the original recipe.
• Vegetable Enriched Version: Mix in roasted asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed spinach to add extra nutrition and texture to the creamy salmon pasta, making it more colorful and wholesome.

Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired salmon pasta brings luxurious seafood and rich garlic cream together in one masterful dish. Family-friendly comfort meets elegant dining, creating a perfect weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked spaghetti
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) fresh salmon
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine or chicken broth
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
• 0.5 cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fats and Thickeners:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) flour
• 1 tablespoon (4 grams) chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to ensure complete seasoning coverage.
3. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and create a golden cooking surface.
4. Carefully place seasoned salmon into the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove fish and set aside on a clean plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium and dust the same skillet with all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for 30-40 seconds until the flour turns a light golden color and releases a nutty aroma.
6. Mince fresh garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Pour in white wine, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for approximately 20-25 seconds.
7. Slowly whisk heavy cream and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a smooth and velvety sauce. Stir consistently to prevent any lumps from forming.
8. Gradually sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated. The sauce should become rich and creamy.
9. Break the cooked salmon into bite-sized chunks and gently fold into the sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.
10. Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, using a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to help create a silky texture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Prep this luxurious salmon pasta when craving a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to create.
• Selecting fresh salmon is crucial for achieving rich, buttery flavor that elevates this entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Cooking salmon just until golden ensures tender, flaky texture without becoming dry or tough during the skillet process.
• Develop deep, complex flavors by allowing garlic and wine to briefly caramelize before introducing cream and cheese components.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta water, creating a silky smooth texture that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the creamy garlic sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 668 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 235 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg