Description
Mediterranean-inspired salmon pasta brings luxurious seafood and rich garlic cream together in one masterful dish. Family-friendly comfort meets elegant dining, creating a perfect weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked spaghetti
- 0.5 pound (227 grams) fresh salmon
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine or chicken broth
- 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
- 0.5 cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Fats and Thickeners:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) flour
- 1 tablespoon (4 grams) chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to ensure complete seasoning coverage.
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and create a golden cooking surface.
- Carefully place seasoned salmon into the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove fish and set aside on a clean plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and dust the same skillet with all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for 30-40 seconds until the flour turns a light golden color and releases a nutty aroma.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Pour in white wine, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for approximately 20-25 seconds.
- Slowly whisk heavy cream and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a smooth and velvety sauce. Stir consistently to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Gradually sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated. The sauce should become rich and creamy.
- Break the cooked salmon into bite-sized chunks and gently fold into the sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, using a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to help create a silky texture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Prep this luxurious salmon pasta when craving a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to create.
- Selecting fresh salmon is crucial for achieving rich, buttery flavor that elevates this entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Cooking salmon just until golden ensures tender, flaky texture without becoming dry or tough during the skillet process.
- Develop deep, complex flavors by allowing garlic and wine to briefly caramelize before introducing cream and cheese components.
- Control sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta water, creating a silky smooth texture that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the creamy garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 668 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 235 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 116 mg