Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time and energy? This salmon and crab meat pasta recipe is the perfect solution! It's a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Even beginner cooks can master this recipe, turning a weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this stunning, flavorful pasta dish.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs!
- 6 ounces linguine or other long pasta
- 6 ounces fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ounces lump crab meat, pasteurized (for food safety)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Salmon and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the salmon pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan (Optional)
If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds depth of flavor. If omitting wine, skip this step and proceed to the next.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and remaining butter. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked pasta, crab meat, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until well combined. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light salad.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon and lump crab meat.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it's flaky and cooked through.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding sautéed spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
Variations:
- Lemon Salmon and Crab Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Salmon and Crab Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes along with the heavy cream for a richer, more complex sauce.
- Spicy Salmon and Crab Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 Protein: 30-40g Fat: 25-35g Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This delicious salmon and crab meat pasta recipe is a fantastic choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a special occasion meal, or even a healthy lunch. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know what you think!