### Delicious Baked Lemon Butter Salmon with Pasta Recipe
**Introduction:**
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of a simple yet sophisticated dish with this Baked Lemon Butter Salmon with Pasta recipe. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, it combines the rich taste of lemon and butter with succulent salmon and al dente pasta. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering dish that's both easy and impressive.
**Ingredients:**
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta shape
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
#### Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of each salmon fillet generously with salt and pepper.
#### Step 2: Mix Butter and Lemon Ingredients
1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy.
#### Step 3: Baking the Salmon
1. Place the salmon fillets on an oven-safe dish or baking sheet.
2. Spoon the lemon-butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to coat both sides fully.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
#### Step 4: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 8 oz of spaghetti or your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of cooking liquid.
#### Step 5: Combine Pasta with Lemon Butter
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the baked lemon butter salmon sauce.
2. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
3. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated and the flavors are well distributed.
#### Step 6: Serve and Garnish
1. Transfer the pasta onto a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Arrange the baked salmon fillets on top of the pasta.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.
**Conclusion:**
This Baked Lemon Butter Salmon with Pasta is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender lemon butter sauce and succulent salmon paired with al dente pasta creates a harmonious and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy your cooking!