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Creamy Salmon Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

This creamy salmon pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality seafood pasta in just 25 minutes. The dish features tender salmon chunks in a garlicky cream sauce that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, creating an indulgent yet quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine works best)
  • 1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into chunks
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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. Sear the salmon: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon chunks with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the cream sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in vegetable broth and scrape up any browned bits from the salmon.
  4. Combine everything: Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Finish the dish: Return salmon to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Garnish and serve: Stir in fresh parsley, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't overcook the salmon - remove it from skillet when still slightly underdone as it continues cooking in the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor. Save pasta water to emulsify the cream sauce. Customize with vegetables like spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes.