Lemon-Garlic Baked Salmon with Pasta
Flaky baked salmon meets a bright lemon-garlic pasta for a dinner that feels special but comes together in half an hour.
Sodium note
Using rinsed capers sparingly and unsalted pasta water keeps this dish light, letting lemon and garlic carry the flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 (5-ounce) salmon fillets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 lemons, one sliced and one juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Method
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, top with lemon slices and half the garlic, and season with black pepper.
- 2
Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork.
- 3
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of unsalted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 4
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and sauté the remaining garlic for 30 seconds.
- 5
Add the drained pasta, lemon juice, capers, red pepper flakes, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is glossy and evenly coated.
- 6
Divide the pasta among plates, top each with a piece of baked salmon, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan if using.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories
- 480
- Protein
- 34 g
- Carbs
- 48 g
- Fat
- 17 g
- Sodium
- 180 mg per serving
Nutrition and sodium information is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredients, brands, serving sizes and preparation methods. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
Substitutions
- Whole wheat pasta can be swapped for chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein and fiber.
- Trout or halibut can be used in place of salmon.
- Skip the capers and add extra lemon zest if you prefer a milder flavor.
Tips
- Check the salmon a couple minutes early if your fillets are on the thinner side.
- A splash of white wine added to the pasta skillet before the pasta water adds another layer of flavor.
- This pasta is equally good with baked chicken breast in place of salmon.
New to cooking without salt? Start with our beginner guide and 25 ways to add flavor without salt.
