Name: Salmon Pasta with Garlic Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon fillets; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1½ tbsp olive oil; 8 oz fettuccine; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp flour; 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup prepared pesto; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with delicious salmon, you’re in for a treat! This Salmon Pasta with Garlic Cream is pure comfort food—rich, velvety, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is a total winner. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

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Why You’ll Love Salmon Pasta with Garlic Cream

This isn’t just any pasta dish—it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in your own kitchen. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Rich and Creamy

The garlic cream sauce is silky smooth, coating every bite of pasta with a luxurious texture.

Packed with Flavor

Perfectly cooked salmon, fresh garlic, and a hint of parmesan make every bite irresistible.

Quick and Easy

Ready in about 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.

Healthy and Satisfying

Salmon is packed with protein and healthy omega-3s, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

Impressive Yet Simple

Looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients in Salmon Pasta with Garlic Cream

This dish is made with simple, flavorful ingredients that come together for an incredible meal:

Salmon Fillet: The star of the dish! Fresh or frozen salmon both work great.

Pasta: Use your favorite kind—linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work well.

Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds incredible depth of flavor to the cream sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a savory, cheesy kick.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky-smooth sauce.

Olive Oil: Used to sear the salmon and enhance the flavors.

Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish and balances the creamy richness.

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Fresh Herbs (Optional): Parsley or basil for a fresh finishing touch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this creamy salmon pasta step by step:

Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and flake into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently.

Add the Parmesan & Seasonings

Stir in the parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Gently fold in the flaked salmon.

Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs, extra parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

How to Serve Salmon Pasta with Garlic Cream

This dish is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies: Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make great sides.
White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Garlic: The fresher, the better for maximum flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: It should be tender and flaky, not dry.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Add pasta water to thin it out or more parmesan to thicken.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon?
A1: Yes! Smoked salmon adds a delicious twist and requires no cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the sauce and salmon ahead, but it’s best served fresh.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q4: Can I freeze salmon pasta?
A4: It’s not ideal since the creamy sauce may separate when reheated.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.

Q6: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A6: Yes, but the sauce will be lighter. You may need to thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch.

Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Absolutely! Any pasta shape works well with this creamy sauce.

Q8: How can I make it dairy-free?
A8: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the parmesan.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A9: Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.

Q10: What’s the best salmon to use?
A10: Fresh wild-caught salmon has the best flavor, but frozen or farmed salmon works too!

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Pasta with Garlic Cream is a true comfort dish creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!