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Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta

This restaurant-quality garlic butter salmon pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, featuring tender salmon flakes and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The combination of high-heat seared salmon with lemon zest creates a comforting meal that's special enough for company but easy enough for weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 425
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz salmon fillets, skin removed
  • 8 oz pasta of choice (linguine works well)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, cut salmon into 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in vegetable broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly.
  7. Gently fold in cooked salmon cubes and lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute to reheat salmon.
  8. Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't overcook the salmon cubes - they should be just cooked through with tender, flaky texture. Use reserved pasta water for silky sauce consistency. Add baby spinach or cherry tomatoes for variations.