Salmon Pasta in Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Indulge in a culinary delight with our Lemon Zest & Garlic Bliss Salmon Pasta! This dish beautifully combines the rich flavors of tender salmon, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, this pasta recipe not only pleases the palate but also packs a nutritional punch with heart-healthy salmon and fresh ingredients. Experience a gourmet dining experience right in your kitchen with this delicious and easy-to-make meal.

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Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for freshness)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Salmon: While the pasta is cooking, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet, flake it into large pieces with a fork, and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan.

Add Lemon and Cheese: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until well coated. Gently fold in the flaked salmon and halved cherry tomatoes if using. Cook for another minute to heat everything through.

Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan if desired, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve immediately and enjoy your Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Salmon Pasta!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 2-3 servings