Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

this Recipe

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m truly thrilled to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate — Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta. Right after the title, let me tell you, this dish combines tender flakes of salmon, silky garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dinner that feels fancy but is super simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself (because you absolutely deserve it), this recipe is pure magic!

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What is Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta?

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is that beautiful middle ground between a cozy weeknight dinner and a restaurant-worthy meal. It’s made with seared salmon, tossed in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce with pasta. It feels elegant yet familiar — the kind of dish you can serve on a special date night or just because it’s Thursday.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this one!

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes!
• Restaurant Quality: Impress your family (or yourself!) with minimal effort.
• Incredibly Versatile: Use fresh or frozen salmon, and any pasta shape you have.
• Rich and Comforting: But without feeling heavy or overly rich — it’s perfectly balanced!

What Does Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta Taste Like?

Imagine twirling your fork through glossy strands of pasta coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce, with pops of juicy, flavorful salmon throughout. The garlic is fragrant but mellow, the cream is silky, and the salmon brings a subtle sweetness that ties everything together. It’s cozy, luxurious, and so satisfying!

Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids thanks to the salmon.
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved with its mild, creamy flavor.
• Budget-friendly alternative to eating out for seafood pasta cravings!
• Make-ahead friendly — leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Spatula
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Additions:

• A handful of spinach or arugula stirred in at the end for extra greens!
• Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy pop.

Substitutions:

• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Use smoked salmon for a quicker, no-cook variation.
• Gluten-free pasta works beautifully too if needed!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sear the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and flake into large chunks.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute — don’t let it brown!). Stir in the broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Finish the Pasta
Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and the cooked pasta into the sauce. Toss to coat. If needed, loosen the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Add the Salmon
Gently fold in the salmon pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crack a little more black pepper over the top, and dig in!!

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

• A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted asparagus
• Garlic bread (because carbs are life)
• A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor!
• Don’t overcook the salmon — it will continue cooking a little once added back to the pasta.
• Reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce!
• Cook pasta al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

General Information

• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned salmon?
Yes! Just drain it well and flake it gently into the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely — swap the cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or even evaporated milk works in a pinch, though it won’t be quite as rich.

Conclusion

There’s just something so special about a recipe that feels indulgent and simple, and this Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta hits every note perfectly. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down, and it’s bursting with flavor and texture. I hope you’ll love it as much as we do!

If you’re in the mood for more seafood delights, don’t miss my other reader-favorite recipes featuring salmon and seafood pasta dishes — stay tuned for those coming soon! 🍝🐟

Have you made this Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta?
I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review below and tag me with your beautiful pasta creations on Pinterest! 📸✨

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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