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Baked Lemon Butter Salmon with Pasta


  • Author: danyrecipes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Baked Lemon Butter Salmon with Pasta brings together flaky, oven-roasted salmon fillets glazed in a fragrant lemon butter sauce and serves them over a bed of silky, herb-tossed pasta for a complete dinner that feels genuinely elegant yet comes together in under 40 minutes.


Ingredients

4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 oz each)

12 oz linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3 large lemons, zested and juiced, divided

5 garlic cloves, finely minced, divided

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Lemon slices for serving


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then lightly grease the surface with olive oil.

2. Whisk together melted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, juice and zest of 2 lemons, 3 minced garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined into a glossy glaze.

3. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

4. Spoon the lemon butter glaze generously over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, making sure every surface gets well coated with the fragrant mixture.

5. Place lemon slices around and between the salmon fillets on the baking sheet for extra fragrance and visual appeal during roasting.

6. Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness until the flesh flakes easily with a fork, turns opaque throughout, and the glaze caramelizes slightly at the edges.

7. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente according to package directions, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

8. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

9. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, then pour in the reserved pasta water and the juice of the remaining lemon and toss everything together over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

10. Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into the pasta, then fold in the fresh dill and parsley.

11. Divide the lemon herb pasta between serving plates and place one glazed salmon fillet on top of each portion.

12. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter pan juices from the baking sheet directly over the salmon and pasta, garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before adding the glaze. Moisture on the surface prevents the butter glaze from adhering properly and causes steaming rather than the caramelized roasting the recipe depends on.

Do not overcook the salmon. Pull it from the oven the moment it flakes easily with a fork and the center turns from translucent to just opaque. Overcooked salmon turns dry, chalky, and loses the delicate, buttery texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

Start cooking the pasta about 5 minutes after the salmon goes into the oven so both elements finish at the same time and everything arrives on the plate at the ideal temperature.

Spoon every last drop of the caramelized lemon butter pan juices from the baking sheet directly over the finished dish. Those concentrated drippings are the most flavorful part of the entire recipe and deserve to coat every bite.

Use skin-on salmon fillets for roasting. The skin acts as a natural barrier that protects the delicate flesh from the direct heat of the pan and keeps the fillet moist and intact through the entire cooking process.

Store leftover salmon and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water and serve the salmon at room temperature or very briefly warmed to avoid drying out the delicate flesh.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Baked, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with pasta (approx. 450g)
  • Calories: 665
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 490mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg