Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta – Rich & Comforting

A luxurious pasta dish featuring tender salmon, garlic‑infused cream sauce, and Parmesan, all brought together for an elegant and satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, garlicky sauce coats pasta beautifully
• Flaky salmon provides richness and protein
• Elegant yet easy enough for a weekday meal
• Balanced flavors with a touch of brightness from lemon

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~20–25 minutes
• Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
• Yield: ~4 servings
• Method: Stovetop (sauté + simmer)
• Diet: Seafood / Comfort

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Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (skin removed or on, as you prefer)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus zest if desired)
• 8 oz (about 225 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sear the Salmon
   • Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the salmon for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
   • In the same skillet, add a little more butter or oil if needed; sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
   • Add lemon juice (and zest if using) to brighten the sauce.
   • If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Combine Everything
   • Flake the cooked salmon into large pieces and gently fold it into the sauce.
   • Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Serve
   • Divide into bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, a little lemon zest or extra Parmesan.

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You Must Know

• Reserve pasta water — it helps thin and bind the sauce.
• Sear the salmon just enough so it’s cooked but remains moist.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end — the cream and cheese can mellow saltiness.

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Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
• Use smoked salmon or cooked shrimp instead of fresh salmon.
• Add greens like spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Add a side of steamed asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes for balance.

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Pro Tips

• Use a wide skillet so the salmon and sauce cook evenly.
• Whisk the sauce gently when adding cream and cheese to avoid clumps.
• If your sauce seems too thick, thin it with pasta water, adding gradually.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. It delivers rich, comforting flavor with tender salmon and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce — perfect for treating yourself or impressing someone special.

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