This Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta is a delightful dish featuring tender salmon and creamy pasta smothered in zesty lemon butter. It’s quick to make and bursting with fresh flavors!
You know, I can’t help but smile when I twirl the pasta on my fork. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen—win-win! 😄
I love serving this pasta with a sprinkle of parsley on top for color. With just a few simple steps, you get a fancy meal that tastes like a restaurant dish right at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I enjoy using penne or fettuccine for this dish because they hold the sauce well. If you want a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for flavor and texture. If salmon isn’t available, you can substitute with any firm fish like trout or even shrimp. Canned salmon works in a pinch, just make sure to drain it well.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter. Just remember that it might slightly alter the flavor!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk like cashew or almond, although the texture will be a bit different. I’ve found that coconut cream can also add an interesting flavor twist!
How Can I Get Flaky, Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon just right ensures it’s flaky and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with salmon at room temperature; it helps cook evenly.
- Use medium heat to prevent overcooking. Cooking for 4-5 minutes per side usually does the trick, but you can check for doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork.
- For added flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice while cooking.
Remember, salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from heat, so avoid overcooking to keep it tender!
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
For The Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz/170g each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a half hour, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that’s just a fancy way of saying it should still have a bit of bite to it). Once done, drain the pasta, but make sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—trust me, it’s handy for the sauce later!
2. Preparing the Salmon:
While your pasta is cooking, take the salmon fillets and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
3. Cooking the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside for a moment. When it cools a little, flake it into large chunks with a fork.
4. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet with the leftover deliciousness from the salmon, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Cook this for about a minute or until it smells super fragrant. Yum!
5. Adding Lemon and Cream:
Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to mix everything well. Next, pour in the heavy cream, mixing it in nicely. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit.
6. Finishing the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese! Stir it in until it melts completely into the sauce. If you find your sauce is a bit too thick, don’t worry; just add some of that reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just the way you like it.
7. Combine Everything:
Add your cooked pasta and the flaked salmon to the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together so all the pasta and salmon are evenly coated. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top and give it a quick toss again just to mix.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Dish out your Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta immediately. Garnish each plate with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a few lemon slices for that extra zing. Enjoy your creation!
Delicious and rich, this Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta is sure to impress at any dinner table! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is the star of this dish due to its rich flavor, you can easily substitute it with firm fish like trout or tilapia. Shrimp is another excellent choice if you prefer shellfish!
Can I Make This Meal Ahead of Time?
You sure can! You can prepare the sauce and cook the salmon in advance. Just keep them separate from the pasta until you’re ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a low heat setting on the stovetop and add a little pasta water or cream to maintain creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you love a kick of heat, feel free to amp up the red pepper flakes in the sauce! If you want it even spicier, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced fresh chili when cooking the garlic can elevate the heat level.
