This Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta combines tender seared salmon, silky pasta, fresh lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this restaurant-quality pasta recipe is easy to make and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 1 lb / 450 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Garnish

• Parmesan shavings
• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Season the salmon with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir for 30 seconds.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until coated.
9. Gently fold in the salmon chunks.
10. Garnish with Parmesan shavings, parsley, and fresh lemon slices.
11. Serve immediately while hot.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Servings

4 servings