Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish with this Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, creating a delightful balance of savory and creamy notes. This one-pan meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The addition of lemon juice and fresh herbs adds brightness, while the Parmesan cheese enriches the sauce, making every bite a comforting experience.
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or chopped fresh thyme
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Sear the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Combine Salmon with Sauce: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat the salmon through and allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the salmon before serving. Pair with your choice of side dishes such as pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g