Honey Garlic Salmon Pasta

I absolutely love making this Honey Garlic Salmon Pasta on busy weeknights when I crave something delicious yet easy to whip up. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic forms a perfect glaze over the succulent salmon, which pairs beautifully with al dente pasta. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal that feels gourmet. The best part? It's a crowd-pleaser, so your family will be asking for seconds!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-19T17:35:19.120Z

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed at how quickly it came together, allowing me to savor a gourmet meal even on a hectic day. I used fresh salmon fillets and kept the cooking simple with just a few ingredients, which resulted in a delightful balance of flavors. Adding a splash of lemon at the end brought everything together perfectly.

To ensure my salmon was perfectly cooked, I seared it skin-side down first, allowing it to stay moist and achieve that gorgeous golden hue. The honey garlic sauce is a game-changer; it not only glazes the salmon but also infuses the pasta with irresistible flavor. It's a recipe I'll keep coming back to!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Luscious honey-infused glaze that elevates the dish
Tender salmon that practically melts in your mouth
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any night of the week

Perfecting the Salmon

When cooking salmon, achieving that perfect flaky texture is key. Start with skin-on fillets, as the skin helps to retain moisture during cooking. For best results, ensure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding the olive oil and salmon. This helps to crisp up the skin, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to only flip the fillets once to prevent them from breaking apart.

It's essential to monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process. Salmon is considered fully cooked at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, or check for an opaque color change and flaky texture with a fork. If you’re unsure, it’s better to undercook slightly, as the residual heat will continue cooking the salmon off the stove.

The Honey Garlic Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish, combining sweetness and savory notes. Honey is not only a natural sweetener but also acts as a glaze that caramelizes slightly while cooking, giving the salmon a beautiful golden color. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This subtle heat balances nicely with the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the salmon.

To achieve the best consistency for the sauce, whisk it thoroughly to ensure the honey dissolves fully into the other ingredients. If the sauce is too thick, a teaspoon of water can be added to thin it out. Aim for a glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon; this will create a delightful finish on the salmon and pasta.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing your Honey Garlic Salmon Pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. The freshness of the greens complements the flavors of the dish and adds color to the plate. For added texture, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts over the salmon and pasta before serving. This not only enhances presentation but adds a delightful crunch.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon. This dish also holds up well when served cold as a pasta salad, making it a versatile option for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Salt, for water

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/4 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Set aside.

Cook the Salmon

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.

Glaze the Salmon

Carefully flip the salmon fillets and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting with the sauce until the salmon is cooked through.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the remaining sauce. Serve the salmon over the pasta and garnish with chopped green onions.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for some heat. You can also substitute the salmon with other fish like trout or chicken if you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can substitute the spaghetti or linguine with whole wheat pasta or a lower-carb alternative, such as zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Both options will provide a different texture, but they absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully, making them a nutritious option.

When it comes to salmon, feel free to experiment with different types, such as trout or steelhead salmon. Both offer a similar flavor profile and texture adjustments that will still work harmoniously with the honey garlic sauce. For a non-fish variation, chicken breast or tofu could also be cooked with the same honey garlic glaze for a delightful twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing some elements of this dish in advance can save time on busy weeknights. The honey garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using, as some separation may occur.

You can also cook the pasta ahead and toss it with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it in an airtight container and simply reheat it in the skillet with the sauce and salmon to save time when you're ready to serve.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. For each additional two fillets of salmon, simply double the sauce ingredients to ensure all portions are flavorful. If cooking for a crowd, you can use a large skillet to accommodate more salmon at once but make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure all pieces get that crispy texture we love.

If you are making this recipe for fewer servings, you can halve the ingredients accordingly. The sauce can also be made in smaller batches without losing the flavor intensity, ensuring that each bite retains that honey-garlic goodness regardless of the quantity you’re preparing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

→ What other types of pasta can I use?

Any pasta shape works well, but I recommend spaghetti or linguine for the best texture.

→ Can I make the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

A side salad or steamed vegetables would pair well to add some freshness to the meal.