Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

When you combine flaky salmon, tender broccoli, and creamy pasta, you create a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s hard to resist. This Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare yet indulgent enough for special occasions. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, it’s a wholesome meal your family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
2. Healthy and Balanced: A great source of lean protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
3. Versatile: Works with fresh, frozen, or even leftover salmon, and any pasta you have on hand.
4. Kid-Friendly: Creamy pasta is always a hit with the little ones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Steam the Broccoli: In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain both pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until opaque and flaky. Remove from the pan and let it rest.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then mix in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Flake the Salmon: Gently flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces, removing the skin.
2. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
3. Incorporate Salmon: Fold in the flaked salmon, being careful not to break it apart too much.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the pasta among serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon will give the best flavor, but frozen or leftover salmon works well too.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better.
3. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep it bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture.
4. Adjust Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce thickness.

Variations

Low-Carb Option

Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace the cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Spicy Twist

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

Extra Veggies

Include mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. As a Main Dish: Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
2. For Entertaining: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
3. As Leftovers: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Salmon?

Yes, canned salmon is a convenient substitute, though fresh salmon offers better texture and flavor.

What Type of Pasta Works Best?

Short pasta like penne or farfalle works great, but long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti are also excellent.

How Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that all other ingredients, such as the broth and cheese, are gluten-free.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Absolutely! Thaw and pat dry before adding to the dish.

Conclusion

This Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with tender salmon and vibrant broccoli, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress.

Yield: 4

Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Print

When you combine flaky salmon, tender broccoli, and creamy pasta, you create a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s hard to resist. This Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare yet indulgent enough for special occasions. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, it’s a wholesome meal your family will love.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
2. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both together and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Sear the Salmon

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the salmon chunks with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
3. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring well.

4. Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the creamy sauce.
2. Add the seared salmon chunks and gently fold them in, being careful not to break the pieces. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• Pasta options: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
• Broccoli alternatives: Substitute with asparagus, spinach, or peas for variety.
• Salmon prep: Fresh or frozen salmon works well—just ensure frozen salmon is fully thawed before cooking.
• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter sauce.