There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s paired with tender, pan-seared salmon. Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is one of those meals that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home, this dish delivers on every front. With a rich garlic cream sauce and flaky salmon chunks nestled into ribbons of fettuccine, it’s a dinner worth savoring.
Let’s explore what makes this pasta a standout and how you can bring it to life in your own kitchen.
Why This Dish Works
A Harmony of Flavors
Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta brings together two beloved components: pasta and seafood, joined by a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. The fatty richness of salmon complements the subtle sharpness of Parmesan and the mellow depth of sautéed garlic. Together, these ingredients create a taste that is layered, comforting, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Quick Yet Sophisticated
You might be surprised to know this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. Despite its quick cook time, it doesn’t skimp on elegance. Each element—from the golden sear on the salmon to the luscious sauce—feels fancy without being fussy.
Let’s Get Cooking
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make creamy garlic salmon pasta:
- 2 salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Directions
- Prepare the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside. - Cook the salmon
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon chunks with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it. - Make the cream sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. - Add the salmon
Gently fold in the cooked salmon, being careful not to break up the chunks too much. Let it heat through for 1–2 minutes. - Finish and serve
For an extra pop of flavor, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Tips, Variations, and Pairings
Make It Your Own
- Switch the protein: Not a fan of salmon? Try using shrimp, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Add veggies: Wilt in spinach or toss in peas or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Use another pasta: Fettuccine is classic, but penne, linguine, or tagliatelle work beautifully too.
Perfect Pairings
- Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the richness of the cream and the salmon.
- Side dish: Serve with garlic bread or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the creamy pasta.
A Pasta Worth Repeating
Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is the kind of dish that earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying without being overly heavy. The ease of preparation combined with its elegant result makes it a top-tier choice whether you’re dining solo or feeding a hungry crowd. So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a bowl of creamy, garlicky, salmon goodness.
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Dive Into Comfort: Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender salmon chunks in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
– 2 salmon fillets, cut into chunks
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
– Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
– Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
– In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
– Add cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
– Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add pasta water as needed.
– Gently fold in salmon. Heat through.
– Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy salmon pasta, garlic salmon fettuccine, salmon pasta recipe