Spread the love

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is a fancy but simple dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with a sauce made with garlic and cream. This meal is great for special occasions, weeknight dinners, or any time you want to treat yourself to a fancy and comforting meal. The salmon is soft and flaky, and the pasta is al dente. The silky, garlicky cream sauce ties everything together in the best way possible. This creamy salmon pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation, whether you’re cooking for yourself or trying to impress guests.

Perfect For

Date nights or special events
Dinner on weeknights
Meals with the family
People who love seafood
People who love pasta

Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Creamy Garlic Salmon

This is why Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta will be your favorite meal:

Rich and Flavorful: The creamy sauce, garlic, and salmon work together to make a flavor that is both rich and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: This dish tastes fancy, but you can make it in less than 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
You can easily change the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, vegetables, or pasta types to make it taste better.
This dish is both filling and healthy because it has a good mix of omega-3s from the salmon, protein from the pasta, and creaminess from the sauce.
You can eat it as a filling dinner or a tasty meal for a party or gathering.

Time to Get Ready and Cook

30 minutes total time
Time to get ready: 10 minutes
Time to cook: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
About 600 to 650 calories per serving
Protein: 35g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Two salmon fillets, each weighing about 6 ounces
8 ounces (about 225 grams) of your favorite pasta, like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, chopped up
1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dairy-free option like coconut cream
1/2 cup of broth made from chicken or vegetables
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional for more creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Important Ingredients

Salmon: Salmon is the main ingredient in this dish. It is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The flaky, soft texture is a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
Garlic: This recipe needs garlic because it gives the sauce a strong, aromatic flavor that goes well with the creaminess.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce silky and smooth, so every bite is rich and creamy. You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream instead if you don’t want dairy.
Pasta: Pick your favorite shape. The creamy sauce goes great with linguine or fettuccine, but spaghetti or penne would also work well.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the dish a citrusy kick that balances the cream sauce’s richness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Cook the Salmon

Get the salmon ready: Start by adding salt, pepper, and a little olive oil to the salmon fillets. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things a little spicy.
Make the salmon: Put a non-stick pan on medium heat. Put the salmon fillets in the pan with the skin side down when it is hot. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on how thick they are. Turn the salmon over and cook it for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until fully cooked and easily flaked with a fork.
Take it out and set it aside: After it is done cooking, take the salmon out of the skillet and put it on a plate to cool down.

Cook the Pasta

While the salmon is cooking, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Put in the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente. After the pasta is done, save about a cup of the water and drain the rest. Put the pasta away.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet used for the salmon, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until aromatic, careful not to burn.
Add the broth and cream: Add chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Let cook 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly. Add heavy cream and simmer for 3 to 4 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Add flavor: Stir in lemon juice and zest for brightness. Add grated Parmesan for extra creaminess if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine to Make Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Flake the salmon: Use a fork to break cooked salmon into small pieces. Remove skin if you prefer.
Add the pasta: Put cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss to coat completely. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Add the salmon: Gently fold flaked salmon into the pasta, spreading evenly.

Serve the Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic

Serve and garnish: Plate the creamy garlic salmon pasta. Optionally top with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

A light green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta.
Crunchy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce for a decadent meal.
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make the dish more nutritious and interesting.
This dish suits special occasions like date nights or gatherings. For a classy touch, serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a non-alcoholic beverage.

Tips to Make Your Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta Even Better

Use fresh salmon instead of frozen for the best taste and texture.
Don’t overcook salmon to avoid dryness; remove from heat as soon as it flakes easily.
Longer pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine work best with the creamy sauce.
Add heat with extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like spice.
Add vegetables such as sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition.

Try These Variations of Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Use shrimp instead of salmon for a Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta twist.
Add fresh spinach for a Spinach and Garlic Salmon Pasta.
Substitute fresh dill and add extra lemon zest for Lemon-Dill Salmon Pasta.
Add diced tomatoes for a sweeter, creamier Tomato and Garlic Salmon Pasta.
Sauté mushrooms with garlic for an earthy mushroom flavor boost.
Add capers for a tangy, salty bite that balances the creaminess.
Mix in pesto for a fresh, herbal Pesto Garlic Salmon version.
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical Coconut Cream Garlic Salmon Pasta.
Add asparagus spears for a crunchy, fresh Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta with Asparagus.

Storage and Freezing

You can freeze this creamy pasta dish, although the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to two to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm on low heat, adding splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with added cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce’s texture.

Tools You May Need

A large non-stick skillet for cooking salmon and making the sauce.
A big pot to cook the pasta and reserve pasta water.
A cooking thermometer to check salmon temperature (145°F/63°C recommended).
A whisk to smoothly combine cream and broth for a silky sauce.

FAQs

Is it okay to use frozen salmon? Yes, but thaw completely for even cooking.
Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, substitute coconut cream and omit Parmesan.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate and reheat with some pasta water to keep creamy.
What vegetables can I add? Spinach, peas, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or others you prefer.
Can I use other fish? Salmon works best, but firm fish like trout or cod can be used with flavor variation.