Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Linguine

If you’re looking for a dish that’s big on flavor yet simple to prepare, this Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Linguine is a must-try. Combining tender, flaky salmon with a rich, garlicky butter sauce and a bed of creamy spinach linguine, this recipe hits all the right notes. Perfect for date night, a family dinner, or a comforting solo meal, it’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (around 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the spinach linguine

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

Print

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a good crust when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough. Gently place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and press down lightly with a spatula to ensure the skin makes contact with the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy, golden brown, and releases easily from the pan. Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and cooked to your liking. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, keeping them warm.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Lower the heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt completely. The butter will pick up the flavorful browned bits left from the salmon, enhancing the sauce.
2. Once the butter is melted, add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic and stir continuously. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
3. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the skillet and stir it into the garlic butter, creating a bright, zesty sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the sauce aside until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

1. While the salmon is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water—it should taste like the sea for the best pasta flavor.
2. Add 12 ounces of linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
3. Before draining the pasta, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This will be used later to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce

1. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cups of fresh chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and reduces in size.
2. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the spinach. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Gradually add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the cream, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Season the sauce with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

1. Add the drained linguine to the creamy spinach sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat the pasta evenly. Ensure every strand is covered in the luscious sauce for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

1. To serve, divide the creamy spinach linguine onto plates or shallow bowls, creating a bed of pasta.
2. Place a salmon fillet on top of each serving, positioning it skin-side up for extra crunch and presentation.
3. Drizzle the reserved garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon and linguine, letting it seep into the pasta for added richness.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home!

Cooking Tips & Variations

1. Pick the right salmon

To get the best flavor and texture, make sure to choose fresh, wild-caught salmon from a trusted source, such as a local fish market or grocery store with a good reputation for quality seafood. Wild-caught salmon typically has a richer, more robust taste and firmer texture compared to farmed varieties, which can sometimes be more bland or soft. If fresh wild-caught salmon is not available, high-quality frozen salmon fillets can work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker option. After thawing, pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for getting that perfect sear on the salmon, as moisture can prevent the fish from browning and achieving the desired crisp texture. Properly prepared salmon will be the star of your dish, so take your time with this step to set yourself up for success!

2. Make it dairy-free

If you or your guests are avoiding dairy, don’t worry—this dish can easily be adapted without compromising on flavor or richness. Start by replacing the butter with a high-quality olive oil or a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter. Olive oil brings a subtle fruitiness, while vegan butter can mimic the creaminess of traditional butter. When it comes to the creamy spinach sauce, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or an unsweetened oat-based cream. Coconut milk lends a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salmon and spinach, while oat cream offers a neutral flavor and thick, velvety texture. You can also experiment with other plant-based options like cashew cream or almond-based cooking creams, depending on your taste preference. These substitutions will ensure the dish remains indulgent and satisfying while accommodating dairy-free diets.

3. Play with flavors

This dish is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to adjust the flavor profile to match your preferences. If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a bolder kick. For those who love a cheesier flavor, experiment with substituting the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano, which has a sharper, saltier taste that can elevate the dish. You can also include a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill are another great addition, adding both aroma and a burst of garden-fresh flavor. Mix and match these ingredients until you find the combination that speaks to your palate, creating a dish that feels uniquely yours.

4. Boost the veggies

Why stop at spinach when you can bring even more nutrition and flavor to the dish by incorporating additional vegetables? Sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce, while cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and a touch of acidity to balance the dish. For a lighter, refreshing crunch, try adding thinly sliced zucchini or even julienned carrots. Bell peppers, asparagus tips, or artichoke hearts are also fantastic options for adding variety and color to the dish. To prepare, sauté these veggies along with the garlic and spinach, making sure they’re cooked until tender but not overdone, so they retain their vibrant flavors and textures. Adding extra veggies not only enhances the dish but also makes it more wholesome and satisfying, perfect for a hearty meal.

5. Use another pasta

While linguine is the traditional choice for this dish, there’s no reason you can’t switch it up and use a different type of pasta that suits your taste. Fettuccine or spaghetti are excellent alternatives, offering similar textures that pair well with the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, consider penne or rigatoni, which can hold onto more sauce thanks to their ridged surfaces. If you’re looking for a lighter or gluten-free option, zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” or spaghetti squash make great substitutions. For those who enjoy more exotic grains, chickpea or lentil pasta can add an extra boost of protein and fiber. Whatever pasta you choose, be sure to cook it al dente, as the firmer texture will hold up better when tossed in the sauce, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced between the pasta and the creamy flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 690
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbs: 47g
• Fiber: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Savor Every Bite with This Delicious Combo

Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Linguine is the perfect marriage of rich, buttery seafood and indulgent, creamy pasta. It’s a dish guaranteed to impress, yet it comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe has you covered.

And remember—recipes are best shared! Snap a picture, gather your loved ones, and enjoy lively conversation over this sumptuous dish.

Hungry for more recipes like this? Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly inspiration sent straight to your inbox!