Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta is an indulgent, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavors of fresh salmon, aromatic garlic, tangy tomato, and rich cream. This dish brings together seared salmon, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce that clings to every bite. This recipe is ideal for dinner when you want a meal that feels gourmet but is simple enough to pull together in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Prepare Garlic and Basil: Mince the garlic and chop fresh basil leaves. Set aside.
3. Measure Out Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are ready to go for a seamless cooking process.

Preparing the Salmon

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat Olive Oil and Butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Cook Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
   • Tip: Be gentle when flipping the salmon to prevent breaking the fillets.

Making the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

1. Add More Oil if Needed: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cream

1. Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the garlic.
2. Simmer: Let the tomatoes cook down for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
3. Stir in Heavy Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water and Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 6: Add Pasta to the Sauce

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato-cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Add Salmon and Basil

1. Flake Salmon: Gently break the cooked salmon into large chunks and add them to the skillet with the pasta and sauce.
2. Stir in Fresh Basil: Add the chopped basil for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Garnishing and Serving

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Add Parmesan and Lemon Zest: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Season to Taste: Adjust salt, pepper, and add red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of heat.
3. Garnish: Top with more Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Serve the Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta warm. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes in the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
2. Swap the Pasta: Try different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or linguine to change up the texture.
3. Use Smoked Salmon: For a smokier flavor, replace the seared salmon with smoked salmon.

Tips for Success

1. Cook Pasta to Al Dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, so avoid overcooking it initially.
2. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon becomes dry if overcooked. Sear until just opaque and let it finish cooking in the sauce if needed.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps to create a cohesive, silky sauce when mixed with the pasta.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta is a wonderfully rich and satisfying dish that brings together the best flavors of fresh salmon, creamy tomato sauce, and tender pasta. With its simplicity and comforting taste, this recipe is a go-to option for a cozy dinner that still feels special. Enjoy it with friends and family, and relish every bite of this warm, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish!

Yield: 4

Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Tomato Salmon Pasta is an indulgent, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavors of fresh salmon, aromatic garlic, tangy tomato, and rich cream. This dish brings together seared salmon, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce that clings to every bite. This recipe is ideal for dinner when you want a meal that feels gourmet but is simple enough to pull together in under an hour.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salmon and Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or pasta of your choice

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
   
2. Cook the Salmon:
   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, stirring until the tomatoes start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
   
4. Make It Creamy:
   Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
   
5. Combine with Salmon and Pasta:
   Return the salmon to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Add spinach and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to reach your desired sauce consistency.
   
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh basil and more Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Substitutions: Substitute spinach with arugula for a peppery flavor, or use cherry tomatoes with sundried for a deeper, tangy taste.

Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.