I make Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta when I want a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender salmon with a luscious garlic cream sauce tossed through perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an elegant yet simple meal I enjoy any night of the week.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most is how the creamy garlic sauce beautifully complements the flaky, savory salmon. The pasta soaks up the sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and fresh. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• salmon fillets
• pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
• olive oil or butter
• garlic, minced
• heavy cream
• grated Parmesan cheese
• lemon juice and zest
• salt and pepper
• fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

directions

I start by seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper. I heat olive oil or butter in a skillet and cook the salmon skin-side down first until crispy, then flip and cook until just done. I remove the salmon and set it aside. In the same skillet, I sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. I stir in grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice, seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, I cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain it. I toss the pasta in the creamy sauce, flake the salmon over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 3–4 people. Prep and cooking take around 25–30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for extra color and nutrients. Using smoked salmon gives a different depth of flavor. For a lighter sauce, I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.

How do I prevent the salmon from overcooking?

I cook it on medium heat and remove it when it flakes easily with a fork.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely. I use whatever pasta I have on hand like penne or spaghetti.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

I prefer it fresh, but leftovers reheat well if done gently.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is one of my favorite easy yet elegant meals. The combination of tender salmon and rich garlic sauce makes every bite satisfying and delicious.