Description
A quick, healthy, and delicious salmon pasta recipe that is creamy without using cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz pasta (recommend Barilla Penne)
- 1 lb salmon (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup onions (finely diced)
- 2 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1.5 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 cup milk (lukewarm)
- 1 cup parmesan (freshly grated)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add salmon and season with salt and pepper. Sear for 4-5 minutes until cooked, then remove.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter, onions, and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Combine flavors: Stir in dried parsley and lemon zest. Gradually add lukewarm milk, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Finish the dish: Add cooked pasta, salmon, and parmesan. Mix gently, adding reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Add red pepper flakes for flavor.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with more parsley and parmesan if desired.
Notes
For an alternative, substitute salmon with firm white fish or chicken. Add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for creative twists.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg