If you love dishes that are cozy yet impressive, this Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender, flaky salmon with a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta. The balance of citrusy lemon, savory garlic, and creamy butter makes every bite sing, and it’s so simple to prepare that you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or serving friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the fresh salmon that provides richness, to the garlic that adds a punch of aroma, everything contributes to this dish’s magic.
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite variety for a perfect base that soaks up the sauce.
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon: The star protein, delivering moist, tender fish with delicate flavor.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to boost all the other flavors.
- Flour (for dredging): Helps create a light crust on the salmon for added texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light fruity note and ensures a good sear on the salmon.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The heart of the sauce, silky and rich for that comforting finish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or veg broth): Introduces savory depth and keeps the sauce moist without heaviness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness beautifully.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable, aromatic warmth.
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese for added color, a little kick, and savory complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil—this step is crucial because the pasta absorbs seasoning from the water as it cooks. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions so it has a satisfyingly firm bite. While the water heats up and the pasta cooks, you can get the sauce underway to save time.
Step 2: Season and Dredge the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry, then sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the fillets in flour, which will help create a delicate crust when seared, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon, cooking it for about 2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside. If your fillets have skin you prefer not to eat, now is a great time to peel it right off when the fish is still warm.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
With the heat turned down to medium, pour chicken broth, minced garlic, and lemon juice into the skillet. This quick simmer will melt the browned bits from the salmon into the sauce, creating incredible flavor layers. Let it gently bubble for about a minute to meld everything together.
Step 5: Flake the Salmon and Finish the Sauce
Add the salmon back to the pan, breaking it up gently into bite-size pieces with a spoon. Let it cook a few more minutes as the sauce reduces slightly, intensifying its garlic butter goodness and coating every piece of fish perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Serve
Drain your pasta, reserving a little pasta water if you like to loosen the sauce. Toss the pasta directly into the skillet with the salmon and sauce, mixing everything until every strand is glossy and coated. Serve immediately and top with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and parmesan for that final flourish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a lovely splash of green and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the richness wonderfully. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat for those who enjoy a little kick. And don’t forget a handful of parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory, nutty flavor that melts beautifully over the warm pasta.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccolini. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making every bite count. Keeping sides light lets the main star—the salmon pasta—shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, twirl a nest of pasta in the center of each plate and spoon salmon chunks artfully around it. Garnish with microgreens for an elegant touch or edible flowers for a splash of color. Serving it family-style in a large shallow bowl invites sharing and cozy conversation around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it perfect for an easy next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh because pasta texture can change, you can freeze leftover salmon and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a tablespoon of water or broth while reheating helps restore moisture and keep the sauce silky rather than gummy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for its richness, flaky cod, trout, or even shrimp work wonderfully with this garlic butter pasta base.
What pasta shape works best?
Long strands like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal because they pick up the sauce so well, but feel free to experiment with penne or bow ties for a different texture.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe itself is mild, but you can easily add heat with those red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a spicier kick.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to dredge the salmon. The flavor will still be just as fantastic.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Cook salmon until it flakes easily when tested with a fork but is still moist inside—overcooking leads to dryness, and undercooking can feel raw in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques that yield a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It’s comforting, flavorful, and just the kind of recipe you want on repeat in your cooking repertoire. I genuinely hope you give this dish a try and fall in love with it as much as I have—nothing beats sinking your fork into tender salmon wrapped in luscious garlic butter pasta.
Print
Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta combining tender salmon pieces with a garlicky, buttery sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish offers a comforting blend of citrus, savory garlic, and creamy textures, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner for two.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
Salmon
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Start preparing the sauce as the water boils to save time.
- Prepare Salmon: Season the salmon with salt and pepper on all sides, then lightly coat it in flour to help form a crust during cooking.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon and cook for 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside. If the salmon has skin you don’t want, peel it off now.
- Create Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about one minute to blend flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Flake Salmon and Finish Sauce: Return the salmon to the skillet and break it into bite-size pieces with a spoon. Cook for a few minutes more until the salmon is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened somewhat.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the salmon and sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use a firm, fresh salmon fillet for best results.
- Adjust garlic and lemon to your preference for more or less tang and pungency.
- Adding some reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce consistency.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute salmon with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist.
- Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor but can be omitted or substituted for a dairy-free option if desired.
