Description: Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home with this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta. Tender chunks of perfectly seared salmon are tossed with al dente fettuccine in a rich and luscious garlic butter sauce, infused with Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon. This recipe is quick, easy to follow, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated is best
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Begin by inspecting the salmon fillets for any stray bones and removing them with tweezers or your fingers. Pat the salmon chunks dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season the salmon generously with salt and black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water; this seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente – firm to the bite. Drain the pasta immediately in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later to help it bind to the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon. A hot skillet ensures a beautiful sear and prevents the salmon from sticking. Carefully place the seasoned salmon chunks in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Sear the salmon for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will become dry. Remove the seared salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet used for the salmon, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the cream. If using, add the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the garlic butter sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing it gently to coat each strand of pasta evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Divide the pasta among plates, topping each portion with the seared salmon chunks. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the salmon and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it tastes like a gourmet meal without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and tender salmon is simply irresistible. The garlic butter sauce is rich and flavorful, while the lemon juice adds a bright touch that keeps it from being too heavy. Plus, the addition of Parmesan cheese elevates the sauce to a new level of deliciousness. Finally, this recipe is highly customizable – you can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking or add other vegetables, such as spinach or asparagus, for a more complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Offer a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for those who like a little extra kick.
- A glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Tips:
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be cooked through but still moist and tender.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing, as it will turn bitter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 40-45 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800-900 mg per serving
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the delicate flavor of salmon. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. The easy-to-follow instructions and readily available ingredients make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress everyone at your table. Bon appétit!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While fettuccine is a classic choice for creamy sauces, you can certainly substitute it with other pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well.
- Can I use milk instead of heavy cream to make the sauce lighter? Yes, you can use milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a thicker sauce with milk, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- I don’t have Parmesan cheese. Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. These cheeses have a similar flavor profile and will melt well into the sauce.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this pasta. Some good choices include spinach, asparagus, peas, or sautéed mushrooms. Add them to the skillet after the garlic has been sautéed.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the pasta, and then add the seared salmon. Be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating.
