🔥 KITCHEN FINDS
3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out
These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.
This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil
One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.
Check It Out on Amazon →
This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You
Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.
Check It Out on Amazon →
Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess
Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.
Check It Out on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pan-seared salmon paired with garlic spaghetti is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This recipe highlights the rich flavor of the salmon, complemented by the aromatic garlic in the pasta, creating a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pan-seared salmon with garlic spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: The combination of salmon, garlic, and lemon is irresistible.
- Healthy: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fresh ingredients.
- Versatile: Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Visually Appealing: A beautiful presentation that impresses.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Pasta
- Start by cooking the spaghetti. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway through.
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the garlic, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Toss until well combined.
- Serve the garlic spaghetti topped with the pan-seared salmon, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- For an extra crispy salmon skin, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the fish.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference; you can add more for a stronger flavor.
- If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, feel free to substitute.
Easy Variations
- Substitute salmon with other fish like trout or tilapia.
- For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic spaghetti.
- Experiment with different herbs such as basil or dill for a fresh twist.
- Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for added nutrition.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Steamed asparagus or green beans for a fresh side.
- Garlic bread to complement the meal.
- A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm the pasta and salmon in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out.
Recipe Card
Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spaghetti
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS
Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out
Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.
❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites
Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.
See It on Amazon →
🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook
From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.
Check It Out on Amazon →
🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead
Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.
See It on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve pasta water, then drain.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon, skin-side down, until crispy.
- Flip salmon and cook until it reaches 145°F, then remove from skillet.
- Add remaining olive oil and garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in spaghetti, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley; season to taste.
- Top spaghetti with salmon and serve.
Notes: For extra crispy salmon skin, ensure the skillet is hot before cooking.
