Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Lemon

Have leftover salmon in the fridge? Don't let it go to waste! Turn it into a restaurant-quality pasta dish in just 20 minutes! This Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta combines flaky salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy garlic butter sauce for a meal that's both easy and indulgent.

A Dish Inspired by Simple Yet Luxurious Cooking

I’ve always believed that the best meals come from working with what you have. Growing up, my mother taught me how to make the most of every ingredient—nothing ever went to waste in our kitchen. Leftovers were never boring; they were transformed into something exciting and new.

A few nights ago, I baked a beautiful salmon fillet for dinner, but as usual, there were leftovers. Rather than reheating the same dish, I wanted to create something different; something that felt special, yet easy to throw together. That’s how this Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta came to life! The combination of rich butter, zesty lemon, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes takes this dish to another level, making it taste like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but right from your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Perfect for using up leftover salmon 🐟

✅ Creamy, garlicky, and bursting with flavor 🧄🌿

✅ Comes together in just 20 minutes! ⏳

✅ Sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious tangy kick 🍅✨

✅ Pairs beautifully with white wine and a light salad 🍷🥗

Ingredients:

Pantry Staples:

• 8 oz spaghetti

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Fresh Ingredients:

• 6 oz leftover baked salmon, flaked

• 1 lemon (zest & juice)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Flavor Boosters:

• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• ¼ cup white wine (optional, for depth of flavor)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta 🍝

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Sauté the Aromatics 🧄

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.

3. Deglaze & Build the Sauce 🥂

If using, pour in white wine and let it reduce for 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add Salmon & Lemon 🍋

Gently fold in the flaked salmon, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.

5. Toss with Pasta 🍽️

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt & black pepper to taste.

6. Finish & Serve 🌿

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with extra Parmesan & lemon wedges on the side.

Shopping List 🛒

Pantry Staples:

✔️ Spaghetti (8 oz)

✔️ Unsalted butter (3 tbsp)

✔️ Garlic (3 cloves)

✔️ Red pepper flakes (optional)

✔️ Salt & black pepper

✔️ Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated)

Fresh Ingredients:

✔️ Leftover baked salmon (6 oz)

✔️ Lemon (1, for zest & juice)

✔️ Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped)

✔️ Heavy cream or half-and-half (½ cup)

Flavor Boosters:

✔️ Sun-dried tomatoes (⅓ cup)

✔️ White wine (optional)

Pro Tips:

Want more depth? Add capers or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick! Prefer a lighter version? Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.🥂 Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for the ultimate dining experience!

This Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is the perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something amazing! Next time you have leftover salmon, skip the boring reheating and whip up this creamy, garlicky, lemon-kissed pasta instead.

Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments!