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Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

This Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe is an easy and delicious dish combining tender baked salmon with a rich, silky sauce made from crème fraîche, parmesan, and lemon. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in a savory, garlic-infused sauce and topped with flaky salmon, fresh herbs, and capers for a bright, flavorful meal ready in just 40 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Salmon and Pasta

  • 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh)
  • 1 salmon fillet (160 – 200 grams)
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (plus zest to finish)
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, roughly chopped (chives, dill or your choice)

Sauce

  • 40 grams butter
  • 2 – 3 garlic cloves, finely diced
  • 2/3 cup pasta water
  • 1/2 cup crème fraîche
  • 60 grams parmesan cheese, finely grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 390°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the salmon.
  2. Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper, and add a little lemon juice if you have extra on hand.
  3. Bake the salmon: Measure the thickness of your salmon at its fattest part. Bake for 5 minutes per 1.5 cm of thickness; for example, 2.5 cm thick fillet should be baked for 8 minutes. If you can’t measure, bake for 10-12 minutes for an average piece. This method ensures perfectly tender salmon.
  4. Rest and flake the salmon: Let the baked salmon sit loosely covered with foil while you prepare the sauce. Then, use two forks to gently break it into bite-sized chunks.
  5. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in well-salted water, undercooking it by 1 minute according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Start the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. When it starts sizzling, add black pepper and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Add pasta water: Lower the heat slightly and pour in 2/3 cup of the reserved pasta water, whisking to combine with the butter, garlic, and pepper.
  8. Incorporate crème fraîche: Add crème fraîche and whisk until the sauce is well emulsified and heated through, gently bubbling but never boiling.
  9. Melt the parmesan: Add the grated parmesan cheese in two additions, stirring to melt each batch fully into the sauce for a creamy texture.
  10. Add lemon juice: Whisk in the lemon juice quickly to brighten the sauce’s flavor.
  11. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing well. Let it gently bubble for 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce, adding extra pasta water if needed. The sauce will thicken more off the heat.
  12. Combine final ingredients and serve: Mix the capers into the pasta, then plate the dish with the flaked salmon on top. Finish with lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or dill.

Notes

  • Measure the thickness of the salmon to ensure perfect baking timing, preventing dryness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Do not let the sauce boil; keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
  • Use fresh herbs such as chives or dill to add aromatic freshness.
  • Under-cooking pasta slightly ensures it finishes perfectly in the sauce.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/creamy-salmon-pasta-recipe/