Bowl of creamy salmon pasta with lemon and herbs

Salmon Pasta with Cream Sauce

by

Rich, velvety & easy to make

This Salmon Pasta with Cream Sauce is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of rich, velvety, and full of buttery, garlicky goodness. Flaky salmon tossed with al dente pasta in a silky Parmesan cream sauce… every bite is pure comfort! It’s a quick, one-pan meal that tastes like something straight out of an Italian restaurant, but it’s easy enough for busy weeknights. Perfect for date night, cozy dinners, or meal prep, this Emma’s Cake Studio recipe brings luxury to your table in just 25 minutes!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Salmon

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the Cream Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lemon (to brighten the sauce)

🌿 For the Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons pasta water (reserved)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta:
    Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain and set aside. 🍝
  2. Cook the salmon:
    Pat salmon dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove from skillet and set aside. 🎣
  3. Make the cream sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  4. Combine:
    Flake the salmon into chunks and return to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in sauce.
  5. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, dreamy pasta perfection!

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh Parmesan: It melts smoother and adds better flavor than pre-shredded.
  • Want it lighter? Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt in place of cream.
  • Add veggies: Spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes make this even more colorful and wholesome.
  • Extra indulgent: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl54032g36g30g3g2g