If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines indulgence with wholesome ingredients, this Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender flakes of seared salmon mingling with crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe plays a crucial role, from building flavors to adding texture and vibrant colors. These simple components come together to create a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Salmon fillets: Fresh and skinless, cut into cubes to ensure every bite has a tender, flaky protein punch.
- Olive oil: For searing the salmon to a beautiful golden crisp that locks in moisture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth to the salmon with gentle warmth.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances richness.
- Fresh parsley: A splash of green freshness to garnish and enhance aroma.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: The perfect pasta options—flat and broad to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a crisp bite and vibrant green color, plus nutrients.
- Butter: For creating the rich, velvety base of the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for an aromatic, savory backdrop.
- Heavy cream: The star ingredient that turns the sauce irresistibly creamy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Used to deglaze the pan and build flavor complexity.
- Lemon zest (optional): Brightens the sauce with a delicate citrus note.
How to Make Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by seasoning those beautiful salmon cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice—the combination gives the salmon a deliciously bold flavor that shines through after cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, and then sear the salmon cubes for just a few minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and cook through. This locks in their natural juices and makes each bite succulent.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender to the bite. About three minutes before the pasta finishes, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling water. Cooking them together saves time and allows the broccoli to stay crisp yet tender, which complements the creamy sauce and flaky salmon beautifully.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet that held the salmon, melt butter over medium heat—this will pick up any remaining flavor on the bottom of the pan. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Next, pour in the broth and gently deglaze the pan, loosening all those delicious browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens to a silky, luxurious consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest to brighten the dish.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Drain the pasta and broccoli, then toss them directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Make sure every noodle and floret is richly coated with the sauce’s creamy goodness. This integration guarantees flavor in every forkful.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Serve the creamy pasta and broccoli on plates, topping each portion with the seared salmon cubes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. For that extra touch, drizzle some of the reserved sauce over the salmon pieces, inviting you to dive into a perfectly balanced dish of creaminess, freshness, and delicate seafood flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding brightness and a hint of herbal aroma that cuts through the richness. You could also try a light grating of lemon zest or a few flakes of chili if you want to introduce a little extra zing or subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to keep the meal light and refreshing. Crusty garlic bread is another great option—perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, twirl a nest of pasta on your plate before layering the salmon on top. Serve it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side. This not only looks elegant but invites guests to personalize their citrus kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers of this Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon on the top layer to prevent it from breaking apart, and add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to maintain the sauce’s luscious texture.
Freezing
While the pasta and broccoli can be frozen, the creamy sauce and cooked salmon may lose some texture when thawed. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the pasta and broccoli separately from the salmon and sauce to retain quality. Use within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and the salmon tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and searing to ensure a good crust and even cooking.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but the richness will be slightly reduced. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, snap peas, asparagus, or spinach would work nicely, though their cooking times may vary slightly. Add firmer veggies earlier and delicate greens toward the end.
How do I prevent the salmon from overcooking?
Cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove it promptly from heat and let it rest briefly to finish cooking gently with residual heat.
Can I prepare this dish for guests ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of it in advance by cooking the pasta, broccoli, and salmon separately. Assemble and warm just before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that wins hearts with every bite. It’s an inviting blend of textures and flavors that balance comfort and sophistication effortlessly. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for a weeknight treat or a special gathering, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied appetites all around.
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Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Broccoli is a delicious and satisfying meal combining tender seared salmon cubes, al dente pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a perfect balance of protein, greens, and indulgent flavors with fresh herbs and zesty lemon accents.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets, skinless and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Pasta and Broccoli:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for balanced flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to blanch them slightly. Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the salmon, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift any browned bits for extra flavor. Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the creamy sauce, ensuring they are well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and broccoli mixture, top with the seared salmon cubes, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and drizzle any remaining sauce over the salmon for maximum creaminess.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less thick.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness, but for a vegetarian version, use a plant-based cheese alternative and vegetable broth.
- You can swap broccoli for other green vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to prevent salmon from drying out.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a nice subtle heat to the sauce.
