If you’re searching for a dinner that checks all the boxes – luscious, vibrant, and weeknight-friendly – Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli is about to become your new go-to. This recipe brings together ribbons of pasta, tender bites of salmon, bright green broccoli, and a velvety lemon-Parmesan sauce that feels both elegant and comforting. Each forkful promises a harmony of flavors, making it an irresistible meal for family nights or impressing friends, without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli lies in its straightforward ingredients, where each one adds a distinct splash of color, taste, or richness. These staples work together to create a dish that feels both special and effortless.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta (8 ounces): Choose your favorite; fettuccine gives that classic creamy pasta feel, while penne holds the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The base for searing salmon and infusing flavor into the dish.
- Salmon fillets (2, about 6 ounces each): Fresh, flaky salmon adds heartiness and rich flavor; skinless fillets make prep a breeze.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): They bring vibrant green color and a satisfying bite, balancing the creamy sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for luxurious depth and silkiness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for flavor; it lends that irresistible aroma and warmth to the cream sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The backbone of the creamy sauce, making every bite luscious.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup): For that nutty, salty richness that ties everything together.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Brightens up the sauce and complements the salmon perfectly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A pop of freshness that balances the richness of the cream.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and depth to each forkful.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a herby finish and fresh green sprinkle on top.
How to Make Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package directions. In the last two minutes, toss in the broccoli florets – they’ll become perfectly tender while keeping their gorgeous green hue. When the pasta’s ready, drain everything together, set it aside, and pat yourself on the back for multitasking!
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
While your pasta cooks, heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of those salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then nestle them into the pan. They’ll need roughly four to five minutes on each side until lovely and cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet, let it cool ever so slightly, then gently flake into chunky pieces – try not to sneak too many “taste tests!”
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Don’t even think about washing that skillet! This is where flavor magic happens. Melt the butter right in the same pan, add the minced garlic, and let it bloom for about a minute. Stir in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer – now you have the beginnings of that dreamy, velvety sauce. Add the Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and black pepper, stirring until the sauce is silky-smooth and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add your drained pasta and broccoli straight into the sauce and give everything a careful toss to coat. The creamy goodness will cling beautifully to every noodle. Next, gently fold in those fabulous salmon flakes. Let it all warm through together for another minute or two, and that’s it – Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley is a classic finish, giving each plate a pop of green and a hint of freshness. If you’re feeling zesty, add an extra touch of lemon zest or a few red pepper flakes for a little kick. Don’t forget an extra dusting of Parmesan for that picture-perfect touch!
Side Dishes
This luxurious pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette, or a side of crusty bread for scooping up every drop of sauce. For something lighter, steamed asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes add a splash of color and flavor that won’t compete with the star of your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli by serving it in shallow bowls with a lemon wedge nestled on the side. For a family-style gathering, pile it high on a big platter, scatter with fresh herbs, and let everyone dig in. To get fancy, try twirling individual pasta nests with the salmon nestled on top for a restaurant-worthy look right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli can be a lunchbox hero the next day! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. The pasta might absorb some sauce as it sits, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating brings everything back to silky perfection.
Freezing
While cream-based pastas aren’t always freezer-friendly, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at half power. Stir in a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce, and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the salmon.
FAQs
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned salmon is a great time-saver and still delivers wonderful flavor and protein. Drain it well and add it in place of the flaked cooked salmon for an even quicker version of Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce. Just keep in mind the sauce will be a touch less rich, but it will still coat the pasta beautifully and maintain that creamy character.
What other vegetables work well in this pasta?
Feel free to switch things up based on what’s in your fridge! Asparagus, peas, or spinach are all fantastic additions or substitutions alongside the broccoli in Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli. Just add them in during the last minutes of pasta cooking so they stay fresh and bright.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
It’s super simple: swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and you’re set. Be sure the Parmesan and any other ingredients are also certified gluten-free if needed.
Can I make this ahead for entertaining?
While Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli is best enjoyed right after cooking, you can prep the sauce and cook the salmon a few hours ahead. When ready to serve, gently warm the sauce and fold in cooked pasta, broccoli, and salmon for an effortless (yet impressive) dinner party dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, thanks to its balance of comfort, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet night or gathering loved ones around the table, don’t hesitate to give this dish a try – I have a feeling it’ll soon be one of your all-time favorites too!
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Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a luxurious yet straightforward dish with this Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli recipe. Tender salmon, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta mingle in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, brightened with lemon zest and juice. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Pasta:
8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Broccoli:
2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water, adding broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the salmon: Season and cook the salmon until done. Flake into chunks and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add butter, cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer until creamy.
- Combine: Toss pasta, broccoli, salmon, and sauce together. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Use skinless salmon for easier flaking or canned salmon as a substitute.
- Swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Enhance with red pepper flakes or extra lemon juice for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
