Ingredients:

  • 1.25 lbs salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lb pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup pasta water

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the fish flakes easily. Remove salmon to a plate to rest.
  4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Toss in the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is glossy and emulsified. Top with seared salmon and fresh parsley.