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overhead shot of pasta alla salmone in pasta dish with fork and bowl of parmesan on the side
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Pasta alla Salmone

With fresh salmon, a light cream sauce and a little lemon, this pasta alla salmone is a simple, but tasty Italian dish.
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 406kcal
Author Ryan Beck

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium shallots, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 lb salmon, skin removed
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 2 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, julienned
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Save ½ cup of pasta water.
  • Heat olive oil in large pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2 minutes before adding the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  • Season salmon with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook for 2 minutes per side. Add the wine, scraping up any brown bits. Simmer until wine is reduced by half. Add the cream, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Add the pasta, cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest to the sauce, tossing to combine. Break up the salmon as you do this. Add some pasta water and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with more cheese and top with basil if desired.

Notes

  • Make sure the water you are cooking the pasta in is salted as some of the flavor comes from it.
  • DO NOT overcook the pasta when boiling. You want it just al dente or slightly under. It continues to cook with the sauce.
  • Use wild salmon when possible. It is healthier for you and just tastes better.
  • If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace the wine with low-sodium chicken stock.
  • Don't use pre-shredded cheese. You want if finely grated so it melts well. Pre-shredded has added ingredients that will just make it clump up.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g