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- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or your choice of pasta - 2 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese - 1 cup baby spinach, washed and dried - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The ingredients in this creamy garlic salmon pasta dish are simple but full of flavor. You start with pasta, which is the base of the meal. I like fettuccine, but any pasta works. The salmon adds protein and richness. Garlic gives the dish a warm, deep flavor. Heavy cream creates the smooth, creamy sauce that ties it all together. Fresh spinach not only adds color but also nutrients. Lemon juice brings a zesty brightness. Finally, parmesan cheese adds a cheesy finish that boosts the taste. Always season with salt and pepper to suit your liking. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish both comforting and exciting. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine. Cook it according to the package's time until it's al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside in the pot. Next, take 2 salmon fillets and season them with salt and pepper. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Gently flip the fillets and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set it aside to cool. After it cools, flake the salmon into big chunks. Now, we move on to the sauce. In the same skillet, add one more tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add 4 large cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once the sauce is ready, stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. If it seems too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the creamy texture you want. Now, toss in the cooked pasta along with 1 cup of baby spinach. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the mixture and stir gently to combine. Finally, fold the flaked salmon chunks into the pasta. Be gentle to avoid breaking the salmon too much. Serve the creamy garlic salmon pasta on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. If you like, add a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top. Enjoy this delicious dish that combines great flavors in every bite! - Cooking time recommendations: For the best results, cook fettuccine for 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. - How to achieve al dente texture: Al dente means "to the tooth." Taste the pasta a minute before the time ends. It should be firm but not hard. - Best practices for cooking salmon: Use fresh salmon when possible. Pat it dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper for the best flavor. - Avoiding overcooking: Cook salmon for about 4-5 minutes skin-side down. Then flip it for another 3-4 minutes. It should flake easily when done. - How to thin or thicken the sauce: If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a spoonful at a time. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. - Importance of reserved pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Always save some before draining your pasta. These tips will help you create a creamy garlic salmon pasta that shines in taste and texture. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can mix things up by using shrimp or chicken instead of salmon. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs well with garlic. Just sauté shrimp until pink and add it to the creamy sauce. For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. It adds a nice texture and flavor. If you're looking for vegan options, try using chickpeas or tofu. For the sauce, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a blend of cashews and water. This keeps it creamy while making it plant-based. Different pasta shapes can change the dish's look and feel. You might use penne, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type holds the sauce in its own way, so feel free to choose what you like best. If gluten is a concern, go for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives made from rice or quinoa. They cook similarly and taste just as good. Adding herbs can enhance your creamy garlic salmon pasta. Fresh dill or thyme adds brightness. Just sprinkle them in while cooking for a fresh taste. Want some heat? Red pepper flakes are a great choice. A little can add a spicy kick that balances the creaminess. Adjust the amount to your taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your creamy garlic salmon pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep flavors intact. You can use glass or plastic containers. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it up. This will prevent steam from causing sogginess. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, the best method is to use the stovetop. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water to keep it creamy. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. If you want to freeze your creamy garlic salmon pasta, it's best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately. This helps maintain texture and flavor. Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out air before sealing. For the pasta, consider freezing it in small portions. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream to restore creaminess. Creamy garlic salmon pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and salmon separately, then mix them when ready to serve. This helps keep the pasta from getting soggy. You can use Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version. These alternatives cut calories but keep the dish creamy. Adjust the seasoning to fit the taste of your choice. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Portion the pasta and salmon into containers. Just reheat when you are ready to enjoy your meal. Consider serving it with a side salad or garlic bread. These pair well and add a nice touch to your dinner. A glass of white wine can also enhance the meal. For the full recipe, check out the section above. This recipe combines pasta, salmon, and a creamy sauce for a delightful meal. You’ve learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the salmon, and make a rich sauce. With tips for variations, storage, and reheating, you can enjoy this dish multiple times. Whether you choose to add shrimp or use a different pasta, the options are endless. Now, you can impress others—or treat yourself—with a delicious plate of creamy garlic salmon pasta. It’s easy, tasty, and perfect for any occasion.

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Savor the deliciousness of Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta Delight with this easy recipe! Enjoy tender fettuccine paired with perfectly cooked salmon, fresh garlic, and rich parmesan cream sauce all topped with vibrant spinach and a squeeze of lemon. Perfect for a cozy dinner! Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and elevate your mealtime with this creamy pasta masterpiece that’s sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) fettuccine or your choice of pasta

2 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 large cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 cup baby spinach, washed and dried

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for a vibrant garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in the pot.

    Cook the Salmon: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. While the oil heats, season the salmon fillets evenly with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. Transfer the fillets to a plate and set aside.

      Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet where the salmon cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant without browning. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Incorporate the Cheesy Goodness: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese gradually until it melts completely into the sauce. If the sauce aims too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until achieving your desired creamy consistency.

          Combine Ingredients: Retreat the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce along with the baby spinach. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is well coated and the spinach wilts nicely. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the mixture and stir once more to combine all the flavors.

            Finalize the Dish: Flake the cooked salmon into large, bite-sized chunks and carefully fold them into the pasta, using a spatula to incorporate without breaking the fillets apart too much.

              Garnish and Serve: Plate the creamy salmon pasta lovingly, and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a bit more parmesan on top before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | Serves 2-3