Garlic butter salmon with asparagus linguine

Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus Linguine is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the richness of salmon with the freshness of asparagus and the comforting texture of linguine pasta, all brought together with a garlicky, buttery sauce. It’s an elegant yet easy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to make it:

Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus Linguine Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Linguine:

• 8 oz linguine pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the skin is crispy.

   • Flip the salmon fillets, add the butter, and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown.

   • Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Squeeze the lemon juice over the fillets and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for about 5-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Linguine:

   • While the salmon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package directions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.

3. Sauté the Asparagus:

   • While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

   • Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, but still have a little crunch.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • Add the cooked linguine to the pan with the asparagus. Toss to combine.

   • Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

   • If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor boost.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • Divide the garlic butter asparagus linguine onto plates.

   • Place the cooked salmon fillet on top of the linguine.

   • Spoon any garlic butter sauce left in the pan over the salmon for extra flavor.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

• You can substitute the linguine for any pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

• For an extra crispy texture, broil the salmon for a minute or two after cooking in the oven to get a nice golden finish on top.

This Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus Linguine is a deliciously balanced dish with rich buttery salmon, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh asparagus—definitely a meal to impress! Enjoy!