Description
This creamy pasta with salmon and broccoli is a delicious and satisfying Italian-inspired main course that combines tender salmon fillets, fresh broccoli florets, and pasta tossed in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe balances rich flavors with nutritious ingredients to create a comforting yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Prepare the salmon: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet, let it cool slightly, then flake into chunks.
- Make the cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine sauce and pasta: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add salmon and finish: Fold the flaked salmon into the pasta mixture and heat through for a minute or two. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or canned salmon to save time in a hurry.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Add extra vegetables such as peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.
