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Pan-seared salmon with garlic butter pasta is the perfect dish for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with a rich garlic butter sauce that coats perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a meal that not only looks impressive but is also incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings or a cozy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have you craving more. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your dinner rotation:
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- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: Garlic butter elevates the pasta and salmon.
- Versatile: Perfect for any night of the week.
- Impressive Presentation: Looks as good as it tastes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with omega-3s from salmon.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Pasta
- Start by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
- Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, add the butter, and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat in the garlic butter. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add lemon juice if using, and season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the garlic butter pasta and top with the pan-seared salmon. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Tips for the Best Results
- For perfectly cooked salmon, use a fish spatula to flip the fillets gently.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking for even more flavor.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference; you can even add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Easy Variations
- Swap out spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for extra nutrition.
- Try a different protein, such as shrimp or chicken, if salmon isn’t your favorite.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
- Steamed asparagus or broccoli for a healthy side.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes.
4. Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove from skillet.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Add spaghetti and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
7. Add lemon juice if desired, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Plate pasta topped with salmon and garnish with parsley.
Notes: Adjust garlic to taste and add veggies for extra nutrition.
