Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, delicious meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This tinned salmon pasta recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and flavorful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is a winner for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients: You'll need these simple pantry staples
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz tinned salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional, for a richer sauce)
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pasta Perfection
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add the Salmon and Wine (or Broth): Stir in the flaked salmon and cook for another minute. If using, add the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), heavy cream (if using), dill, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations: Make it Your Own
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest adds brightness and freshness to the sauce.
- Cream cheese: Instead of heavy cream, use cream cheese for a richer and creamier sauce.
- Different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like chives, tarragon, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the serving size. For precise calculations, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients used.
This tinned salmon pasta recipe is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that doesn't compromise on taste or health. It's a delicious and easy recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!