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Flavorful Brown Butter Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta Recipe with Capers Made Easy

brown butter lemon herb salmon pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta dish combining nutty brown butter, bright lemon, fresh herbs, tender salmon, and salty capers for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, fresh or thawed
  • 8 ounces (225 g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons (about 56 g) unsalted butter
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons drained capers
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or dill
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of linguine and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon and flake into large chunks once cool enough.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir occasionally as it melts and foams, cooking until golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat if it gets too dark.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add drained capers and red pepper flakes if using, tossing briefly to combine.
  6. Add lemon zest and juice from 1 large lemon. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for a minute.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick until silky consistency is reached.
  8. Gently fold in flaked salmon and chopped fresh parsley and thyme or dill. Warm through for 1-2 minutes, being careful to keep salmon chunky.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
  10. Serve pasta plated with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra capers on top if desired.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan. Sear salmon skin-side down first for crispness and easier flipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, lemon, herb, salmon, pasta, capers, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/flavorful-brown-butter-lemon-herb-salmon-pasta-recipe-with-capers-made-easy/