Description
Creamy Salmon Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
2-3 salmon fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
300g fettuccine
For the Vegetables:
1 cup broccoli florets
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente. During the last 2 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine & Serve
Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Plate the pasta and top with seared salmon fillets.
Garnish & Enjoy
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm.
A rich and creamy dish combining tender salmon and a luxurious Alfredo sauce, perfect for a gourmet dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing all ingredients: season salmon, mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and chop broccoli. Heat oil in a large skillet for the salmon. In a separate pot, start boiling salted water for the pasta. Cook the salmon as instructed, then set aside on a plate. Add pasta to the boiling water. When the pasta has about 2 minutes left, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot. While pasta cooks, use the same skillet (with salmon remnants) to make the sauce. The fond from the salmon will add incredible flavor. After draining the pasta and broccoli, immediately toss them in the finished Alfredo sauce to coat thoroughly before plating.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this dish immediately while hot and creamy. For a restaurant-style presentation, use tongs to twirl the pasta into a nest on the plate before placing the salmon fillet on top. Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, pairs perfectly. For a fresh element, offer lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon.
How-to Summary
This gourmet meal comes together in under 30 minutes by efficiently using your stovetop. The key steps are: 1) Sear seasoned salmon fillets and set aside. 2) Cook fettuccine, adding broccoli to the boiling water at the end. 3) In the same skillet used for the salmon, create a simple garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan sauce. 4) Combine drained pasta and broccoli with the sauce, then top with the cooked salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or linguine work well as they hold the creamy sauce effectively.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or evaporated milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can also use a light cream cheese alternative.
What if I don’t have fresh salmon? Thawed, high-quality frozen salmon fillets are a fine substitute. Ensure they are patted completely dry before seasoning and searing to get a good crust.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy? Keep the heat low to medium when adding the cheese. Do not let the sauce boil vigorously after the Parmesan is added, as high heat can cause separation.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can cook the salmon and chop ingredients ahead, but the sauce is best made fresh. Reheating can cause the cream sauce to separate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the salmon, as it will become dry. Remove it from the skillet when it’s still slightly translucent in the very center; it will continue to cook from residual heat. Do not add cold cheese directly to a very hot sauce, as it can clump. Let the sauce cool slightly off the heat or use room-temperature cheese. Ensure your pasta is al dente, as it will soften further when tossed in the sauce. Finally, do not rinse the pasta after draining; the starch helps the sauce adhere.
Conclusion
This Creamy Salmon Alfredo Pasta is a deceptively simple yet impressively elegant meal that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. By mastering a few key techniques—like properly searing salmon and building a smooth, cheesy sauce—you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The combination of rich, savory flavors and tender textures is sure to become a favorite. Remember to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy this luxurious, comforting creation immediately.