Imagine a dish that combines the rich, buttery flavor of perfectly cooked salmon with the bright, fresh essence of parsley and a zesty lemon kick. This Salmon Pasta with Parsley Sauce isn't just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you'll create an Italian-inspired masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen, but is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 200g salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 300g of pasta, 200g of salmon fillet, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 cup of fresh parsley, 2 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and the juice of 1 lemon.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned salmon fillet to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- While the garlic is cooking, chop the fresh parsley finely. Once the garlic is ready, reduce the heat to low and add the chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic and parsley.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet with the pasta. Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Season the pasta with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add more lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve the salmon pasta warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to an exceptional pasta dish is using the freshest salmon and herbs possible. Look for bright, vibrant parsley and high-quality salmon fillet.
- Master the Salmon Cooking Technique: Pat the salmon dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden crust. Cook it just until it flakes easily – overcooking will make it tough and dry.
- Pasta Water is Your Secret Weapon: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Timing is Everything: Start cooking your salmon when the pasta is about halfway done to ensure everything comes together hot and fresh.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat or some grated Parmesan for extra richness. This recipe loves a personal touch!
- Lemon Juice Tip: Add lemon juice at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and prevent it from becoming bitter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
