Dinner

Indulgent Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

This indulgent creamy garlic salmon pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels luxurious yet comes together quickly. The rich sauce and tender salmon make it a dish you’ll crave again and again.

The dish shows six pieces of grilled salmon placed on a bed of creamy fettuccine pasta in a white plate. Each salmon piece has a golden, slightly charred surface with visible grill marks and is topped with a thick, pale yellow cream sauce speckled with black pepper and garnished with small green parsley leaves. The creamy sauce also lightly coats the pasta underneath, which is pale yellow with a smooth texture and broad, flat noodles curling around the salmon pieces. The whole plate sits on a white marbled surface, giving the presentation a clean and elegant look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz Fettuccine Pasta (Feel free to swap with gluten-free options.)
4 Salmon Fillets (Ensure it’s thawed if using frozen.)
2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can substitute with canola or avocado oil.)
2 tbsp Butter (Can be replaced with vegan butter.)
4 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced preferred.)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Consider coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for lighter options.)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free substitute.)
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for heat.)
2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Fresh juice gives the best results.)
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook and stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Gently break the salmon into chunks and fold it into the pasta.
Step 5: Serve the creamy garlic salmon pasta onto plates, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy it warm.

Tips & Variations

Use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Swap regular fettuccine for gluten-free pasta if needed.
Add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
For a smoky twist, grill the salmon instead of searing.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in a microwave to prevent the cream from separating.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl holds a base layer of light cream-colored fettuccine pasta with a smooth, slightly glossy texture. On top are six thick pieces of seared salmon, each with a golden-brown charred crust around the edges and visible light pink salmon flesh with natural white lines. Creamy white sauce with sprinkled black pepper and fresh green herb bits is drizzled evenly over each salmon piece, adding a rich and glossy contrast. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with warm tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw the salmon fillets before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative or a hard vegan cheese substitute to achieve a similar cheesy flavor.

Olivia Monroe