Creamy Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lbdried fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tbspunsalted butter
- 1 mediumshallot
thinly sliced, about 1/4 cup
- 4 clovesgarlic
minced
- 1 ½ tspkosher salt
divided, plus more as needed
- 1 ½ cheavy cream
- 2 tspdijon mustard
- 5 ozbaby spinach
about 5 packed cups
- finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon
about 1 1/2 teaspoons
- 2 tbspfreshly squeezed lemon juice
1 medium lemon
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ lbsalmon fillets
- 1 tspolive oil
- ¾ tspkosher salt
- ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
Directions
Make the pasta and broil the salmon:
- 1
Arrange an oven rack 5 to 6 inches below the broiler element, then set the oven to broil. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- 2
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound dried fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally to separate the noodles, for 1 minute less than al dente. Meanwhile, cook the salmon.
- 3
Pat 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and rub the oil all over. Season all over with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Arrange skin-side down, spacing them evenly apart.
- 4
Broil until the salmon is almost cooked through or registers about 115ºF in the thickest part, 4 to 8 minutes (it will continue to cook as it rests). Meanwhile, finish the pasta and make the sauce.
Finish the pasta:
- 1
When the pasta is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and leave in the strainer.
- 2
Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in the now-empty pot over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced medium shallot, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is softened, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Stir in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes more.
- 4
Add the pasta, 5 ounces baby spinach, and 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing constantly, until the spinach is wilted and the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta, 1 to 2 minutes. Toss in more pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed if the pasta is dry.
- 5
Turn off the heat. Add the finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and toss to combine. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Transfer to a wide serving platter. Break up the salmon into large chunks and place on the pasta, leaving the skin behind. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Creamy Salmon Pasta
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About this Recipe
Looking for a rich yet vibrantly fresh dinner that truly satisfies? This Creamy Salmon Pasta delivers on all fronts, offering a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight or a special occasion. It's a dish that feels indulgent but comes together without fuss.
What makes this salmon pasta truly shine is the masterful balance of decadent creaminess with a brilliant burst of citrus. The lemon truly brightens up the entire sauce, ensuring that each bite is not only rich and flavorful but also wonderfully refreshing, preventing it from ever feeling heavy. It's a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create culinary magic.
Prepare for a luxurious dining experience. You'll find perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine coated in a silky, luscious sauce that embraces tender, flaky salmon. Hints of aromatic shallot and garlic provide a comforting foundation, while the subtle tang of Dijon mustard and fresh baby spinach add layers of flavor and color. The star, of course, is the fresh lemon, infusing the dish with an unparalleled brightness and zest that makes it utterly irresistible. This hearty and satisfying meal, at 773 calories per serving, promises a truly impressive dinner with just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time.
Feel free to personalize this versatile pasta dish to your taste. While fettuccine or linguine are fantastic, other long pasta shapes like tagliatelle would also work beautifully. If fresh baby spinach isn't on hand, a similar leafy green like baby kale could be substituted, though spinach melts into the sauce seamlessly. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth.
Serve this Creamy Salmon Pasta as a standout main course, ideal for a comforting dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complement its richness.