Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience - a plate that dances with the rich, buttery flavor of salmon, the peppery bite of arugula, and the delicate onion notes of fresh chives. This Penne with Salmon, Arugula, and Chives is not just a meal; it's a gourmet journey that will elevate your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the penne.
- In a large skillet, combine the heavy cream and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly reduced.
- Add the chopped chives to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the chives are fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, flaked salmon, and arugula. Pour the cream and chive mixture over the top and toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Cook salmon ahead of time or use leftover grilled salmon to make this recipe even quicker.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan and grate it just before serving for maximum flavor.
- If arugula seems too peppery, you can substitute with baby spinach for a milder taste.
- Ensure your cream sauce doesn't boil - a gentle simmer prevents separation and maintains a smooth texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 406kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 63mg
