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Salmon Spaghetti with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Salmon Spaghetti with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
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This Salmon Spaghetti with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful, and quick meal featuring tender salmon, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a refreshing lemon garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines fresh ingredients to create a healthy, light yet satisfying dinner option perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Pasta

  • 2 salmon fillets (skin-on, fresh)
  • 8 oz dried spaghetti (or gluten-free pasta as variation)

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Extra lemon zest (optional)
  • Drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet used for the salmon, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to form a light sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce until fully coated. Flake the cooked salmon into pieces and gently fold it into the pasta, warming it without breaking it apart too much.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Optionally add a drizzle of olive oil or extra lemon zest for enhanced flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Patting salmon dry helps achieve crispy skin and prevents steaming.
  • Reserving pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and gives a silky texture.
  • Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness; keep it golden and fragrant.
  • Use fresh lemons for juice and zest to brighten the sauce more than bottled lemon juice.
  • Gently fold in salmon to keep its flakiness intact in the pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, spaghetti, lemon garlic sauce, quick dinner, healthy meal, seafood pasta, weeknight recipe, gluten free option

Find it online: https://withnora.com/salmon-spaghetti-with-lemon-garlic-sauce-recipe/