Salmon Alfredo Penne (36 Minutes)

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Here’s a luxurious and comforting dish that marries the richness of Alfredo sauce with the delicate flavors of salmon.

This culinary creation features al dente penne pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce, topped with a perfectly cooked piece of salmon. The dish is then garnished with fresh parsley, adding a hint of freshness to balance the creamy richness.

Ideal for a special dinner or when you crave something indulgent, this pasta dish showcases the elegance of salmon in a classic Italian-inspired sauce.

  • Prep Time: 6 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 36 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for the pasta water

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook Penne Pasta (10 minutes): Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Alfredo Sauce (10 minutes): In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm.
  3. Cook Salmon (10 minutes): Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce (2 minutes): Toss the cooked penne pasta with the Alfredo sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
  5. Plate and Serve (3 minutes): Divide the Alfredo-coated penne pasta among plates. Place a cooked salmon fillet on top of each pasta serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
  6. Enjoy (1 minute): Enjoy the rich and decadent flavors of your Salmon Alfredo Penne Pasta, a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Notes

For the best results, the salmon should be cooked to a point where it’s tender and moist, complementing the creamy and rich Alfredo sauce. The sauce itself should be smooth and velvety, clinging to the penne pasta perfectly.

Fresh parsley not only adds a splash of color but also introduces a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.

This meal is an elegant fusion of Italian and seafood cuisine and can be paired with your favorite sides such as a simple salad, crusty bread, and a glass of white wine. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Knots

Start with some store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience. Roll it out on a floured surface and slice it into even strips. Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot, placing each one onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven and let them bake until they're golden and slightly puffed. While they're doing their magic in the oven, melt some butter in a pan and sauté finely minced garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Add a sprinkle of salt, parsley, and maybe even a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to this buttery concoction. Once the knots are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture.

Olive Oil Tomatoes

Grab a bunch of fresh cherry tomatoes, washing them and patting dry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the tomatoes with a generous glug of olive oil, ensuring each tomato is gleaming with a light coat. Now, mince up some garlic – a couple of cloves should do – and sprinkle it over the tomatoes. Choose your preferred herbs; rosemary and thyme work beautifully, but basil or oregano can be divine too. Roughly chop or tear your herbs and add them to the bowl. Season everything with salt and pepper and give it a good mix. Spread this vibrant mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly shriveled.

Fresh Mixed Greens Salad

Start with a base of mixed greens, combining varieties like arugula, spinach, romaine, or any leafy greens you love. Slice up a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. Next, peel and shave or thinly slice a carrot for a sweet and crunchy addition. Now, here's where you get to be creative. Raid your fridge for veggies – maybe some leftover bell peppers, slices of cucumber, or even some steamed broccoli or green beans. Toss them all into your salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing, give it a good mix, and you've got a vibrant, crunchy, and fresh salad that goes well with just about any meal.

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