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Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta: Restaurant-Quality Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

This restaurant-quality garlic butter salmon pasta combines pan-seared salmon fillets with silky butter sauce, al dente pasta, and fresh lemon for a luxurious yet quick meal. Perfect for date night or family dinners, it delivers sophisticated comfort food in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each), skin removed
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the salmon.
  4. Combine Everything: Add cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan to the sauce. Stir until smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Flake the salmon into chunks and gently fold into the pasta.
  5. Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don't overcook the salmon - it continues cooking after removal; Use starchy pasta water to help sauce cling; Fresh garlic is essential for best flavor; Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variations.