Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes combines tender salmon, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy, garlicky sauce into a single, flavor-packed dish. With a beautiful balance of savory salmon, tangy tomatoes, and rich, creamy pasta, this recipe is elegant yet simple, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This dish comes together quickly with a few essential ingredients, making it an ideal meal that looks and tastes impressive without the hassle. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering pasta, complete with tips, variations, and everything you need to create a perfectly creamy, flavorful salmon pasta.

With this recipe, you’ll have a creamy salmon pasta that’s both quick to make and rich in flavor. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy, slightly sweet note that complements the savory richness of the salmon. The sauce, a creamy garlic-infused base, pulls the entire dish together. This recipe can be customized to include vegetables like spinach or a sprinkle of herbs for an extra layer of freshness.

Preparation Tips

1. Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon works best for flavor and texture. Pre-cut fillets are convenient and easy to handle.
2. Use Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it maintains a firm texture in the sauce.
3. Prep the Ingredients: Have everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking to make the process smoother, as the sauce comes together quickly.

How to Make Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden and cooked through.
3. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and cover with foil to keep it warm.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, which can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 3: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the salmon, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without browning.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet to build flavor. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese and Spinach

1. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts into the sauce and creates a creamy consistency.
2. Add the spinach (if using), letting it wilt into the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
3. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Salmon

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Break the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta, taking care not to break up the salmon too much.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy salmon pasta warm and garnish with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad to round out the meal. It’s a versatile dish, making it perfect for both a cozy family dinner and a more formal gathering.

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions if needed. Just note that cream sauces may separate slightly upon reheating.
3. Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Omit the salmon and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
2. Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor of the sauce. Add it while cooking the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Try Different Cheeses: For a twist, substitute part of the Parmesan with Asiago or Romano cheese.
4. Swap the Pasta: Experiment with different types of pasta, like linguine, fettuccine, or even a whole-grain option for added fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
   • Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy. You may need to simmer it longer to reach the desired thickness.
2. Can I use a different type of fish?
   • Absolutely! Try this recipe with other mild-flavored fish like cod or tilapia. Just be mindful of cooking times.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   • Yes, simply swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is gluten-free.
4. Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?
   • While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique flavor, you can substitute fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different but delicious result.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Cook Salmon Just Right: Salmon can dry out if overcooked, so monitor closely and cook until it flakes easily with a fork.
2. Season the Sauce to Taste: Because the flavors are delicate, add seasonings slowly and taste as you go.
3. Fresh Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded and adds a richer flavor to the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen. The richness of the salmon, the creaminess of the sauce, and the bright, tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes create a delicious, harmonious flavor profile. It’s easy to prepare but tastes gourmet, making it a fantastic choice for both special occasions and simple weeknight dinners.

Conclusion

The Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. From the creamy garlic-infused sauce to the juicy salmon and the slightly sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with universal appeal. It’s a recipe that is both versatile and forgiving, perfect for experimenting with your favorite ingredients.

Whether you’re a pasta lover, seafood enthusiast, or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress and become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy it with friends, family, or on a cozy night in—this dish is a winner in any setting.

Yield: 4

Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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Salmon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes combines tender salmon, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy, garlicky sauce into a single, flavor-packed dish. With a beautiful balance of savory salmon, tangy tomatoes, and rich, creamy pasta, this recipe is elegant yet simple, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This dish comes together quickly with a few essential ingredients, making it an ideal meal that looks and tastes impressive without the hassle. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering pasta, complete with tips, variations, and everything you need to create a perfectly creamy, flavorful salmon pasta.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
• 1 lb salmon fillets, skinless
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Salmon:
   While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   Add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until cooked through and easily flaked with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
   Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
   Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
   
4. Combine Pasta and Salmon:
   Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Salmon Substitutions: If fresh salmon isn’t available, canned salmon or smoked salmon can also work for this recipe.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.