Description
This Salmon Pasta recipe combines tender salmon fillets with a creamy lemon-infused sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all tossed together with fresh parsley for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or preferred pasta
For the Salmon and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before flaking it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce along with the flaked salmon and chopped parsley. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Season: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Divide the Salmon Pasta onto plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use skinless salmon fillets for easier flaking and better texture in the pasta.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness; substitute with basil or chives if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
