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Quick Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Without Cream

A speedy 20-minute salmon pasta without cream, featuring garlic butter and fresh lemon for a bright, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Pasta, Quick Meals, Seafood
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz uncooked pasta such as linguine or fettuccine
  • 8 oz fresh salmon fillet skin on or off
  • 1/2 tsp salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for dusting
  • 1 tbsp California olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh Meyer lemon juice from about 1/2 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • optional garnish: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the water heats, pat the salmon dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and melt the butter. Once shimmering, add the salmon and cook for 2 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer the salmon to a plate. If the skin is still on and you prefer it skinless, peel it off now.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the skillet. Simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Return the salmon to the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a spoon. Cook for 2–3 minutes more, until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Serve immediately, topped with parsley, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

For a lighter sauce, substitute half the butter with additional olive oil.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prep the garlic and lemon juice ahead to save time.
Avoid overcooking the salmon—it should be just opaque and flaky.
Pair with a simple green salad and a glass of California Chardonnay.

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