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Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta

Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta

A creamy and vibrant lemon garlic salmon pasta made with flaky salmon, silky spaghetti, fresh lemon, garlic, parmesan, and a rich buttery cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 salmon fillets, about 12 ounces total, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
  2. Season the salmon chunks with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes per side until flaky and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
  6. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
  7. Transfer the cooked spaghetti into the sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
  9. Add the salmon back into the skillet and combine carefully.
  10. Finish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce.
  • Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
  • Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired
  • Diet: Low Salt

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: lemon garlic salmon pasta, creamy salmon pasta, salmon spaghetti, garlic butter pasta, easy seafood pasta