Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Fettuccine
Introduction
Tender, flaky salmon and silky fettuccine come together in this irresistible Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Fettuccine. The salmon is pan-seared until golden, then served with pasta coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an elegant restaurant-style dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🐟 Tender, flaky salmon
🧄 Rich garlic butter flavor
🍝 Creamy Parmesan fettuccine
🧈 Restaurant-quality comfort food
⏱️ Ready in about 30 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for a special family dinner
Ingredients
For the Salmon
4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Fettuccine
12 ounces fettuccine
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
Fresh parsley
Freshly grated Parmesan
Lemon wedges
Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. 🍝 Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. 🐟 Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. 🫒 Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 🐟 Add the salmon and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
5. 🧈 Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
6. 🧄 Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. 🥛 Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
8. 🧀 Stir in the Parmesan cheese and simmer gently for 2–4 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy.
9. 💧 Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
10. 🍝 Add the cooked fettuccine and toss until completely coated in the creamy garlic sauce.
11. 🍋 Return the salmon to the skillet and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
12. 🌿 Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
13. 🍽️ Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips
🐟 Don’t overcook the salmon; it should remain moist and flaky.
🧀 Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
🍝 Reserve pasta water before draining—it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
🧄 Add extra garlic if you love a stronger garlic flavor.
🍋 A little fresh lemon juice brightens the rich cream sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan makes the final presentation even more delicious.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Fettuccine is a rich and comforting combination of golden salmon, buttery garlic, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta. It’s an easy way to create a restaurant-inspired dinner right at home.