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Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta

Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish made with tender seasoned salmon, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with a fresh lemon finish. It is an easy restaurant-quality meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta of choice
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion butter seasoning or onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
  • 3 tbsp butter if using fat-free milk, like I did or 1–2 tbsp butter if using heavy cream
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup milk half-and-half, or heavy cream
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Lemon pepper seasoning to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Chili flakes for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, lemon pepper, onion butter seasoning, and salt.
  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
  • Using the same pan, add butter and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
  • Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant or about 30 seconds.
  • Lower the heat and add milk (or cream) and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
  • Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Season the sauce with garlic powder and lemon pepper to taste. Add fresh lemon juice and mix well.
  • Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  • Plate the creamy pasta and top with the salmon fillets. Garnish with chopped parsley, chili flakes, extra Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.