Description
Creamy Salmon Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, blending tender salmon with a luscious cream sauce and the bright zing of lemon zest. Whether you’re treating yourself or hosting a dinner for loved ones, this dish is a restaurant-worthy meal you can prepare at home in under 30 minutes. The richness of the creamy sauce and the delicate flavor of salmon create a perfect balance, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 160g pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- 10g butter
- 200g fresh salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 40g dry white wine
- 150g heavy cream
- Lemon zest, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Freshly chopped parsley or dill (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), following the package directions (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
- Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the salmon pieces.
- Cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s just cooked through and lightly golden. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon tender and flaky.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the dry white wine and use it to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Let the wine simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and infuse the salmon with flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cream
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream, combining it with the wine and salmon. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Season the Sauce
- Add lemon zest to taste, along with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference. The lemon zest will bring brightness to the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 7: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece with the sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
- Divide the creamy salmon pasta into serving bowls or plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen salmon can be used. Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
- For a non-alcoholic substitute, replace the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for achieving a silky, cohesive sauce.
- To add extra depth, consider incorporating spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms into the sauce.
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired