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Best Creamy Salmon Pasta

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Creamy salmon pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender, flaky salmon tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Finished with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon, this elegant yet easy meal is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 12 ounces total)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season salmon with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Flake cooked salmon into large pieces and return to the skillet.
  8. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.
  • Add spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/best-creamy-salmon-pasta/