This Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta is a bright and creamy dish that brings together tender salmon, perfectly cooked pasta, and a zesty lemon butter sauce. Yum!
You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. I love how each bite feels like a hug from the sea and sunshine combined! 🍋🐟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend spaghetti or linguine for this dish, as they hold onto the sauce well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to use gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist!
Salmon: Fresh salmon is preferred for its flavor, but frozen salmon also works great. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking! If you’re not a fan of salmon, trout or chicken can be a nice alternative.
Asparagus: This ingredient adds a nice crunch and color. If you can’t find asparagus, try using broccoli or snap peas instead – they’ll give a similar texture and flavor!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Salmon is Cooked Just Right?
Getting salmon perfectly cooked can sometimes be tricky. It’s important to cook it gently to keep it moist and flaky. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Cut your salmon into smaller chunks for quicker cooking.
- Cook on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping it once if desired.
- The salmon should be slightly opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork when done.
- If you’re unsure, using a food thermometer; it should read 145°F (63°C).
Always remember, it’s better to slightly under-cook it than overdo it, as it continues to cook even after you take it off the heat!
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Component:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta will take about 25 minutes total: 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes soft, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing aroma.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Next, add the salmon chunks to the skillet. Cook them gently, turning occasionally, until they are just cooked through, which should be about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook.
4. Cook the Asparagus:
In the same skillet, add the asparagus pieces. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. This keeps a nice crunch in your pasta dish!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat a bit, and then stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow this to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes to let the flavors merge together beautifully.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and mix throughout the sauce. If your sauce is thicker than you’d like, gradually add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Mix in the Salmon and Pasta:
Return the cooked salmon back to the skillet, and gently mix it into the creamy sauce. Then, add the pasta along with the chopped fresh parsley, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated.
8. Season and Serve:
Season your flavorful pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Plate the dish and take it to the next level by garnishing with extra parsley and lemon slices on top. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, tangy bite of your Lemon Butter Salmon Pasta!
Can I Use Other Types of Fish in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is delicious, you can substitute it with other fish like trout, tilapia, or cod. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted based on the thickness of the fish to prevent overcooking.
What if I Don’t Have Asparagus?
No problem! If asparagus isn’t available, you can use other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep them tender-crisp.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to help bring back the creamy texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk. For the cheese, nutritional yeast can give a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy.
