Description
A rich, restaurant-quality creamy salmon alfredo that comes together in just 25 minutes using simple pantry staples. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and features tender salmon in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillets
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, chop parsley, grate parmesan, and pat salmon dry. Season salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove salmon and set aside.
- Start sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute.
- Build sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Stir in lemon juice.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Flake salmon into chunks and gently fold into the pasta.
- Serve: Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, and a crack of black pepper.
Notes
Save the starchy pasta water to help thicken the sauce. Do not overcook the salmon; it should be slightly pink in the center. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate with pasta a
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
Keywords: salmon alfredo, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, easy seafood recipe, gluten-free option