Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy comfort meal that’s actually easy to pull off at home, Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce needs to be on your dinner table. Imagine tender, flaky salmon mingling with al dente pasta, all draped in a luscious, garlicky white wine cream sauce and topped with a shower of parmesan. This is the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a celebration but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight—it’s creamy, flavorful, and bound to impress anyone lucky enough to snag a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. Each item is chosen for its ability to add depth, balance, or a pop of color, so you get the perfect bite every time.
- Pasta: Use 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape for that perfect texture and hold for the sauce.
- Fresh Salmon: About 1/2 pound, skinless if possible—salmon lends richness and beautiful color.
- Onion Powder: Just 1/4 teaspoon is all you need to round out the savory flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; good seasoning is the secret to a restaurant-quality finish.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for searing the salmon and starting your sauce right.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon for depth and a velvety hint in the sauce.
- Flour: 1 tablespoon helps thicken the creamy garlic sauce so it clings to each noodle.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—don’t be shy, this is garlic sauce after all!
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup adds acidity and subtle complexity.
- Heavy/Whipping Cream: 3/4 cup delivers that ultra-creamy texture we love.
- Lemon Juice: Juice from 1/2 a medium lemon brightens the entire dish.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup melted into the sauce gives it irresistible savoriness.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon for a burst of green and a fresh finish.
How to Make Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large, salted pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining—this magic ingredient helps pull the whole sauce together in the end!
Step 2: Season the Salmon
While the pasta cooks, sprinkle your salmon fillet with onion powder, salt, and pepper. This quick step packs the fish with flavor and gets it ready to shine in your creamy garlic sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering and the butter has melted, carefully add the salmon. Let it sear for a couple of minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden and almost cooked through. Move the salmon to a plate for now—don’t worry, it makes a quick comeback.
Step 4: Start the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle flour into the same skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds; this toasty roux is the secret to a sauce that thickens smoothly and coats every piece of pasta.
Step 5: Build the Sauce’s Flavor Base
Add in the minced garlic and pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), letting it bubble away for about 20 seconds so it can meld with the garlic and deglaze all the delicious bits from the pan.
Step 6: Add Cream & Lemon
Whisk in the heavy cream and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. As the sauce warms, you’ll notice it coming together in creamy ribbons—the lemon provides a bright finish that balances every bite of your Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Step 7: Melt in Parmesan
Once the sauce is smooth, gradually stir in the parmesan cheese. It will incorporate quickly, giving the sauce that signature savory kick and an even richer finish.
Step 8: Finish Cooking the Salmon in the Sauce
Return the salmon to the skillet and break it into large bite-sized flakes with your spoon. Let it gently simmer in the sauce for another 3 to 5 minutes until cooked through and the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 9: Combine with Pasta & Parsley
Drain the pasta and toss it right into the pan with the sauce and salmon. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help everything bind, sprinkle in fresh parsley, and toss until every strand is coated in creamy, garlicky goodness. Serve immediately and let the compliments roll in!
How to Serve Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A flourish of extra parmesan on top brings a salty finish, while a handful of fresh parsley or a twist of lemon zest adds inviting color and zing. For a restaurant-style touch, a drizzle of quality olive oil or a crack of black pepper can take every plate of Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce up a notch.
Side Dishes
This creamy salmon pasta pairs perfectly with something light and fresh—a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, crisp steamed asparagus, or sautéed broccolini all balance the richness of the pasta. If you’re feeling extra cozy, a piece of crusty bread is the perfect way to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated dinner, try twirling the pasta into tidy nests with tongs before topping with chunky flakes of salmon. Individual pasta bowls or shallow plates allow the vibrant colors and creamy sauce to shine. You can also serve it family-style straight from your skillet for an irresistibly homey, inviting feel—don’t forget to set extra lemon wedges on the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen and mingle as they sit, so don’t be surprised if leftovers taste just as lovely the next day.
Freezing
While creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can gently freeze this dish by letting it cool completely and sealing it tightly. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and give it a good stir to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again. If using the microwave, reheat in short bursts, stirring between each, to prevent the sauce from overheating or breaking.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! Trout or even mild white fish like cod can work beautifully. Just adjust the cook time as needed based on the thickness of your fillets.
What pasta shapes work best for Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce?
While spaghetti is a go-to, linguine, fettuccine, or short shapes like penne or rigatoni also hold the creamy garlic sauce beautifully—use whatever you have on hand or love most.
How do I make this dish alcohol-free?
Simply swap the dry white wine with chicken broth or veggie broth. You’ll still get plenty of depth and complexity in your sauce without any alcohol content.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Of course! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend to create a gluten-free version of Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a blend of milk and a splash of cream for a lighter but still indulgent experience. The sauce may not be quite as rich but will still taste deliciously garlicky.
Final Thoughts
If you love recipes that are both easy and undeniably special, you’ll fall for Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce. It’s comforting, elegant, and packed with zesty, creamy goodness in every forkful. Try it for your next dinner—this recipe truly is a little bowl of happiness you’ll want to return to again and again.
Print
Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in this delectable Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce that combines the richness of salmon with a velvety sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti or other pasta
Salmon:
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon (see note)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Juice from 1/2 medium lemon (about 1 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Boil a large salted pot of water for your pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- Season Salmon: Meanwhile, season the salmon with the onion powder and some salt & pepper.
- Cook Salmon: Add the olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the salmon for a couple of minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add flour to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds. Whisk in garlic and wine, followed by cream and lemon juice.
- Add Parmesan: Once the sauce is smooth, whisk in the parmesan.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the salmon back to the pan, breaking it into bite-size pieces. Cook until the sauce thickens and salmon is cooked through.
- Finish Dish: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with some pasta water and parsley. Toss gently and serve hot with extra parmesan.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is fresh for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Salmon Pasta, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Pasta Recipe, Salmon Recipe, Italian Recipe
