Name: Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, skin removed; 12 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne); 3 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, buttery garlic sauce enhances the salmon’s natural flavor
Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes
A perfect balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats
Great for weeknight dinners but impressive for guests
Customizable with different herbs, pasta shapes, or veggies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets, skin removed
Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
Butter
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the salmon until golden and flaky, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add lemon juice and a splash of pasta water to form a sauce.
Flake the salmon into large chunks and return it to the pan. Toss gently to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Add drained pasta and parmesan cheese, tossing until combined. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 15–20 minutes, making the total time approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

Use shrimp or chicken instead of salmon for a different protein.
Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra veggies.
Swap parmesan for pecorino or asiago for a different flavor.
Try whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for more depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as salmon can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.

What pasta works best with garlic butter salmon pasta?

Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well, but short shapes like penne also absorb the sauce nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and omit the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

How can I prevent the salmon from drying out?

Cook salmon just until it flakes easily, usually 3–4 minutes per side, and avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can cook the salmon ahead of time and reheat it gently in the sauce, but pasta is best cooked fresh.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, just skip the red pepper flakes if you’re serving it to children.

Can I add cream to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of heavy cream will make the sauce richer and creamier.

What herbs go well with this pasta?

Parsley, basil, dill, or chives all complement salmon beautifully.

How can I make this more filling?

Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I freeze garlic butter salmon pasta?

It’s not recommended to freeze because pasta and salmon may lose their texture, but the sauce can be frozen separately.

Conclusion

Garlic butter salmon pasta is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal that blends rich salmon with a buttery, garlicky sauce and tender pasta. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish delivers comfort and flavor every time.