Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

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Plate of creamy garlic salmon pasta garnished with parsley
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WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is a delightful dish that is simple to prepare and is sure to please anyone’s palate. This recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic and cream with tender chunks of salmon, creating a satisfying meal that is both comforting and elegant. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve on special occasions. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and the cooking process is straightforward. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

HOW TO MAKE Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets, cut into chunks
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to add salt to the boiling water for extra flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

  2. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. This blend helps to infuse the dish with flavor.

  3. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

  4. Cook the Salmon: Next, add the salmon chunks to the skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes, depending on the size of the chunks.

  5. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a rich and creamy sauce.

  6. Stir in the Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined with the cream.

  7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

  8. Serve: Serve hot, and for an extra touch, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

HOW TO SERVE Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta is best served immediately. You can plate it in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing. Feel free to garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. This will enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of freshness. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread to make it a complete meal. A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, also complements this dish beautifully.

HOW TO STORE Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can change the texture of the salmon and pasta.

TIPS TO MAKE Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality salmon. Fresh ingredients make a big difference.
  • Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it is cooked through.
  • Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. For a thinner sauce, add a bit more heavy cream or even some pasta water before mixing in the pasta.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for added flavor and color.
  • Experiment with Pasta Types: While fettuccine works well, feel free to substitute with other types of pasta like penne or linguine.

VARIATIONS

This dish is versatile and can be modified to your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus into the dish for added nutrition and color. Simply sauté these vegetables along with the garlic.
  • Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This will give the dish a nice spicy flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest at the end can provide a refreshing brightness to the creamy sauce.
  • Different Proteins: If you want to change up the protein, shrimp or chicken can be used instead of salmon. These can be cooked in a similar manner.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

    • Yes, you can use canned salmon if you want a quicker option. Just drain it well and gently mix it in at the end to warm through.

  2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

    • Yes, it is great for meal prep! Just remember to store the pasta and sauce separately if possible to maintain the texture.

  3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

    • Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

  4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    • Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the other ingredients, including any seasonings, are gluten-free as well.

  5. Is it possible to freeze Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta?

    • It’s best to eat this dish fresh, as freezing can change the texture of the salmon and cream. If you do freeze it, make sure to reheat gently to avoid separation.

Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delicious hug in a bowl that brings warmth and comfort to every dining experience. Experiment with additions and variations, and make it your own!

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Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Print Recipe

A delightful creamy pasta dish featuring tender salmon chunks, rich garlic flavors, and a comforting sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • Author: rachidalexandrarecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets, cut into chunks
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add salmon chunks and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
  7. Toss in the cooked fettuccine until well coated with the sauce.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For added freshness, consider garnishing with chopped parsley or serving with a green salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: pasta recipe, salmon, creamy sauce, easy dinner, Italian cuisine

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