Description
Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta—A Must-Try!
Creamy, garlicky, and packed with sun-dried tomatoes & spinach, this Tuscan salmon pasta is the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
Perfectly cooked penne
Creamy garlic Alfredo sauce
Seared salmon chunks
Directions:
Boil pasta & set aside.
Sear salmon until golden & juicy.
Make an ultra-creamy Alfredo sauce.
Toss everything together & serve hot!
Pro Tip: A pinch of chili flakes adds a spicy kick!
#CreamyPasta #SeafoodMagic #TuscanFlavors
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook 12 oz of penne in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Pat 1.5 lbs of salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon, skin-side down first, for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, let rest, then flake into large chunks.
3. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in 1.5 cups of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts.
5. Add 3 cups of fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
6. Add the drained pasta and flaked salmon to the skillet. Gently toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce is too thick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley or basil, and a crack of black pepper. For a complete meal, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
Boil penne until al dente, reserving pasta water. Sear seasoned salmon until golden and flake. In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then make a creamy Parmesan sauce. Wilt spinach in the sauce, then toss with the pasta and salmon, thinning with pasta water as needed. Serve hot with garnishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle work well. Choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or a lighter cream alternative. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, adding it off the heat to prevent curdling.
What if I don’t have fresh salmon? You can use high-quality canned salmon (drained) or even cooked, shredded chicken for a different protein. Adjust cooking steps accordingly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess, as it will thicken when chilled.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce 1 day ahead. Store it separately in the fridge. Reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta and salmon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the salmon, which makes it dry. Remove it from the pan just before it’s fully opaque, as it will continue to cook from residual heat.
- Not reserving starchy pasta water. This liquid is crucial for adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Adding all the Parmesan cheese at once on very high heat, which can cause it to clump. Add it off direct heat or on low, stirring constantly.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan that contains anti-caking agents, as it won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grate your cheese for best results.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to make at home. It masterfully combines tender, flavorful salmon with a rich and garlicky cream sauce, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning, comforting meal that is sure to impress any dinner guest. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and weeknight simplicity.
