Good evening, my wonderful friends, from a lovely Sunday evening here in Rabat! It’s just past 9:25 PM, and I’m craving something utterly comforting, incredibly flavorful, and yet surprisingly quick for a busy weeknight. That’s why I’m so thrilled to share my recipe for Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta! Imagine perfectly flaky, tender salmon nestled in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta and a hint of fresh herbs. This dish is everything you want in a cozy meal – it’s decadent, satisfying, packed with healthy omega-3s, and comes together in just 30 minutes! It’s a truly elegant yet easy salmon pasta recipes that balances comfort, nutrition, and amazing flavor.
Serving Versatility
This creamy salmon pasta is a complete meal on its own, but its richness allows for versatility! Serve it with a crisp green salad for a lighter side, or with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing creamy garlic pasta sauce. You can also easily turn it into a salmon arugula pasta by stirring in fresh arugula at the end.
Full Recipe: Quick Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) dried pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 4 equal portions
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill, plus more for garnish
- Optional: A handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomato cream sauce and spinach (add with cream)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets (skin-side down if skin is on). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs. If using, stir in baby spinach until just wilted. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the creamy garlic sauce and toss to coat.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and gently fold into the pasta, or place a salmon fillet on top of each serving.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This makes a wonderfully rich pasta with salmon creamy and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: A full, gourmet-tasting meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses fresh salmon and simple pantry staples for an elevated weeknight dinner.
- Big, cozy flavor: The rich garlic cream sauce perfectly complements the tender salmon.
- Nutritional value: Packed with healthy fats from salmon, plus carbohydrates from pasta for energy.
- Customizability: Easily add extra veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
This creamy garlic salmon pasta draws inspiration from classic Italian pasta dishes, where a rich sauce beautifully coats pasta and is often paired with seafood. The technique of building a pan sauce after cooking the salmon adds incredible depth of flavor from the browned bits (fond) left in the pan. The addition of cream creates a luxurious texture, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Comfort: Serve generous portions in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Lightened Up: Pair with a simple, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in steamed asparagus spears, green peas, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
- Bread Lover’s Dream: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce – you won’t want to waste a drop!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly! Watch it carefully to ensure it remains tender and flaky, not dry.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta beautifully.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and blends into the sauce much better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are always best enjoyed fresh. The sauce can thicken significantly as it cools.
Storage & Reheating
This creamy garlic salmon pasta is truly best eaten fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce, and the salmon might dry out slightly. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth and stirring frequently until heated through. Microwaving can be done but may alter the texture of the salmon.
Closing Paragraph
I am so excited for you to try this incredible Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta! It’s one of those recipes that feels like a special occasion meal, but is genuinely simple enough for any busy weeknight. It’s definitely one of my favorite creamy pasta with salmon and herbs! Please give this recipe a try, maybe add your favorite greens, and let me know how it turned out by leaving a rating and comment below!
🎀 Final Thoughts
Oh, this pasta! It’s just pure bliss in a bowl. That rich, garlicky cream sauce with the perfectly cooked salmon… it feels like a warm, delicious hug. It’s one of those meals that truly makes you happy. I hope you love it as much as I do!