Italian Salmon Penne
Highlighted under: Borderless Food
I absolutely love making Italian Salmon Penne, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something delicious yet quick. The combination of tender salmon, rich cream, and al dente penne creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. I enjoy experimenting with fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon zest brings brightness that complements the salmon beautifully. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home.
When I first tried Italian Salmon Penne, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a harmonious dish. I like to start by searing the salmon, which keeps it moist and flavorful. Adding cream to the pan after cooking the fish helps to capture those tasty bits stuck at the bottom, making the sauce rich and savory.
One of my favorite tips is to finish the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two. This technique allows the penne to absorb the delicious flavors, ensuring each bite is tantalizing. Pair it with a crisp salad, and you have a delightful meal that comes together beautifully in under an hour!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich salmon flavor enhanced by creamy sauce
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Fresh herbs and lemon zest brighten up the dish
The Importance of Cooking Pasta Properly
Cooking the penne pasta to the perfect al dente texture is crucial for achieving the right balance in your Italian Salmon Penne. This means cooking it until it is firm to the bite but not hard, typically around 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy. Frequent stirring during cooking also helps prevent sticking, leading to an enjoyable pasta experience throughout the dish.
Once your pasta is cooked, draining it promptly is key. Don't rinse it under cold water, as this removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere. Instead, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this can be added to the sauce later if it needs thinning, enhancing the overall creaminess while keeping everything cohesive.
Mastering Salmon Searing Techniques
For perfectly seared salmon, temperature control in your skillet is essential. Start with medium heat, allowing the olive oil to shimmer but not smoke. The proper heat will create a golden crust in about 4-5 minutes per side. If your salmon is sticking to the skillet, give it another moment to release naturally instead of forcing it. This technique results in a pleasing texture, contrasting nicely with the creamy sauce and tender pasta.
Additionally, flaking the salmon into large pieces rather than shredding it ensures that you maintain hearty bites throughout the dish. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal but also presents a wonderful mouthfeel, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of the salmon with every forkful.
Saucing It Right
When making the creamy sauce, maintaining the right temperature is vital for preventing curdling. After adding the garlic, let it sauté just until fragrant, about a minute. Then, gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring consistently to promote an even mixture. Bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer ensures the flavors meld beautifully without the risk of the cream separating.
The addition of fresh herbs like dill and parsley, along with lemon zest, not only adds freshness but also elevates the dish's overall flavor profile. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried herbs can work in a pinch; however, you’d want to use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Always remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before combining everything.
Ingredients
Italian Salmon Penne Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients for a flavorful meal!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Salmon
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, then sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and flake the salmon into large pieces.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese, dill, parsley, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked penne and flaked salmon to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of herbs!
Pro Tips
- Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce can elevate the flavors even more. Adjust the herbs based on your preference for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Salmon Penne can be served as a stand-alone meal, but pairing it with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish. Adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan at serving enhances its flavor and presentation. A crisp white wine can also elevate your dining experience, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
For a comforting touch, consider serving warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up any remaining sauce. This adds a rustic charm and is excellent for gathering around the table with family or friends.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re looking to make this dish ahead, you can prepare the sauce and cook the salmon in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and then combine it with freshly cooked penne to ensure the pasta stays at its best texture.
As for leftovers, they can be stored for another 2 days, but be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, leading to a thicker consistency. When reheating, consider adding a splash of reserved pasta water or additional cream to restore its creaminess and prevent dry textures.
Variations to Try
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different palates. For a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic brings a lovely kick without overpowering the dish. Alternatively, if you want a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat yogurt; just stir it in at the end to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth finish.
Experimenting with different proteins like shrimp or chicken can also transform this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly: shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side, while chicken will take longer and may need to be sliced thinner for even cooking.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream as alternatives.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli make great additions.
Italian Salmon Penne
I absolutely love making Italian Salmon Penne, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something delicious yet quick. The combination of tender salmon, rich cream, and al dente penne creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. I enjoy experimenting with fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon zest brings brightness that complements the salmon beautifully. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home.
What You'll Need
Italian Salmon Penne Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, then sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and flake the salmon into large pieces.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese, dill, parsley, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked penne and flaked salmon to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Extra Tips
- Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce can elevate the flavors even more. Adjust the herbs based on your preference for a personal touch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 24g