Description
Indulgent creamy salmon pasta brings Italian coastal flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Silky sauce and tender fish create a restaurant-quality meal that delivers comfort and elegance in each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 salmon fillets (skinless, boneless)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Herbs and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid. Drain and keep warm.
- Generously season salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for cooking.
- Carefully place seasoned salmon into the hot pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and easily flaked.
- Transfer salmon to a plate, allowing it to rest while preparing the sauce.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
- Add minced garlic, sautéing quickly to release its intense flavor without burning.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth base.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
- Enhance the sauce with a splash of bright lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Reintroduce cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Break the cooked salmon into delicate chunks and fold into the pasta, maintaining its tender texture.
- Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
- Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that easily coats the noodles.
- Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent salmon from sticking and ensure a perfect golden crust.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a beautifully crisp exterior when searing.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg