Name: Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. salmon; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 1 lb. linguine; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 cup pasta water (or chicken broth); Zest and juice of 1/2 a lemon; 3/4 cup heavy cream; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors yet satisfyingly creamy, then this Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with fragrant herbs and fresh lemon, resting atop perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a silky garlic cream sauce that’s brightened with zesty lemon. This recipe strikes a wonderful balance between indulgence and freshness, making it a show-stopping meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up for friends, family, or a cozy night in. Trust me, every bite feels like a warm hug delivered straight from the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the right is a white rectangular dish holding a bright red piece of raw salmon. Next to it, slightly above, is a white plate with neatly arranged lemon slices showing their yellow color and white pith. To the left, there are small glass bowls containing yellow oil and a yellow liquid, and white ceramic containers holding dried green herbs and thin slices of garlic. Below these, two glass measuring jugs contain light-colored liquids. At the bottom left, a white colander is filled with cooked yellow noodles. All items are spaced out and clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this dish so approachable and delicious is the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the herbs adding aromatic depth, the lemon providing that essential brightness, or the creamy sauce bringing it all together with luscious texture.

1 lb. salmon: The star of the dish, offering rich, flaky, and tender bites.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps keep the salmon moist and adds subtle fruity richness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, savory herbal note that pairs beautifully with salmon.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly floral aroma to elevate the flavor profile.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
1 lemon thinly sliced: For roasting with the salmon, infusing it with citrus brightness.
1 lb. linguine: The perfect pasta shape to hold and soak up the creamy sauce.
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Garlic is the soul of the sauce, delivering both warmth and punch.
1/2 cup pasta water (or chicken broth): Offers a little saltiness and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Zest and juice of 1/2 a lemon: Brightens the creamy sauce with fresh, vibrant citrus notes.
3/4 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky base of the sauce that makes this dish so comforting.
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor as a finishing touch.

How to Make Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Salmon

Start by placing the salmon in a baking dish and drizzling it with olive oil. Sprinkle the dried oregano and thyme evenly, then season generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Lay thin lemon slices over the top—this is what infuses the salmon with that gentle citrus aroma while it cooks. Place the dish into a cold oven to start, then turn the heat up to 400 degrees and roast for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork, revealing its tender, juicy interior.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

While your salmon works its magic in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until just al dente. This ensures your pasta is perfectly tender with a subtle bite, ready to soak up the creamy garlic sauce without becoming mushy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, and a couple of generous pinches of salt and pepper. Stir constantly for about one minute to coax out the garlic’s sweetness without burning it. Next, pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and pasta water, warming it gently to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, seasoning gently to taste with additional salt and pepper. Return the pan to very low heat and let the sauce thicken, stirring occasionally for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss your cooked linguine into the creamy sauce, stirring well to coat every strand with that garlicky lemon goodness. Let it warm through for a few minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta. Then transfer everything to a large serving platter to prepare for the final assembly.

Step 5: Plate the Salmon and Pasta Together

Carefully place the roasted salmon over the bed of creamy lemon herb pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, a few more lemon slices from the baking dish for a pretty finish that also amps up the citrus vibe. And just like that, you’ve created a meal that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, but with just minutes of hands-on effort.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

A crispy cooked salmon fillet sits inside a white baking dish with brown seasoning and olive oil around the edges. Six round lemon slices with pale yellow flesh and brighter yellow rinds are laid evenly across the top of the salmon. The salmon's orange-pink flesh contrasts with the dark seasoning sprinkled over it, and the dish is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes make the biggest difference here. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh note and a burst of cheerful green color. If you want to ramp up the visual appeal, freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra lemon zest shavings on top add delicate texture and vibrant citrus fragrance that makes everyone’s mouth water before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta dish shines so brightly on its own but can be perfectly complemented with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette echoes the dish’s citrus theme without overwhelming your palate. Alternatively, roasted or steamed asparagus drizzled with a bit of olive oil and flaky sea salt makes an elegant and simple side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider plating the salmon fillets atop neat nests of pasta for an elevated, restaurant-worthy presentation. Serve individual portions garnished with lemon twists or herb sprigs to impress your guests. Another fun idea is to toss the pasta and sauce with roasted cherry tomatoes before serving, adding bursts of sweetness and a splash of color to this already vibrant Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salmon and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce holds beautifully when chilled, and reheating gently will maintain its silky texture. Salmon can be fragile, so keep it separate to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked salmon and pasta separately if needed. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge for best results to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat pasta and sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent breaking up the cream. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. For the salmon, warming briefly in the oven at a low temperature helps maintain its flaky texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine is fantastic at holding the creamy sauce, feel free to swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne depending on what you have on hand. Just cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream to lighten the sauce. However, heavy cream gives that signature richness and creaminess, so reducing it too much may affect the sauce’s texture.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh turns opaque all the way through. Baking at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes usually yields tender, moist results without drying out the fish.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can season and prep the salmon ahead, storing it in the fridge until ready to bake. Also, the garlic herb sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated when you’re ready to toss with pasta, saving time on the day you serve.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites because it combines elegance, comfort, and simplicity in one gorgeous plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss. If you love meals that taste like a special occasion but come together effortlessly, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver big smiles around your table. Go ahead, give it a try—I promise it’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!