Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, delicious meal that's quick and easy to make? Then look no further! This Salmon Lemon Pasta recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of fresh, vibrant flavors, combining flaky salmon with a zesty lemon sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet impressive dish – perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Ingredients: What You'll Need
This recipe serves 2-3 people and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry!
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin on or off
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a lighter option
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Delicious Dinner
Get Started:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While the water heats, prepare the salmon and sauce ingredients.
Cooking the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Let it rest for a few minutes before flaking it.
Creating the Zesty Lemon Sauce:
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In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
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If using, add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
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Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combining Everything:
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Cook the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Flake the cooked salmon into the pasta and toss gently to combine.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade salmon lemon pasta!
Tips and Variations for this Easy Recipe
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the salmon with grilled halloumi cheese or pan-fried tofu.
- Add some greens: Toss in some baby spinach or arugula at the end for added nutrients.
- Different pasta shapes: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes like fettuccine, farfalle, or even penne.
- Lemon lovers rejoice: Don't be shy with the lemon! Add extra lemon zest or juice to your liking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This salmon lemon pasta recipe is a perfect example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on taste. It’s a quick dinner idea that's easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!