A rich and refreshing pasta dish featuring flaky salmon, vibrant lemon zest, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce—perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine
1 lb (450 g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
1 teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water and drain.
Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and flake.
Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Add heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Toss pasta into sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
Fold in salmon and parsley. Serve immediately.