Speedy Salmon & Tomato Cream Pasta: A Weeknight Delight
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Speedy Salmon & Tomato Cream Pasta is the answer! This recipe combines the richness of salmon, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the indulgence of a creamy sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting and flavorful dish.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick & Easy:** From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of salmon, tomatoes, garlic, and cream creates a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Elegant Enough for Guests:** Despite its simplicity, this pasta dish is elegant enough to serve to guests.
* **Uses Simple Ingredients:** Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or readily available at your local grocery store.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rotini all work well)
* **Salmon:** 1 pound of skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** 1 pint, halved
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Lemon:** 1/2 lemon, for juicing at the end
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Speedy Salmon & Tomato Cream Pasta:
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
**Step 2: Prepare the Salmon and Aromatics**
* While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Cook the Salmon**
* Add the bite-sized salmon pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will become dry.
* Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 4: Create the Tomato Sauce**
* In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their juices. Use the back of a spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes.
**Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine (Optional)**
* If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
**Step 6: Add the Cream and Parmesan**
* Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
**Step 7: Combine Everything**
* Add the cooked salmon back to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Gently stir to combine.
* Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
**Step 8: Finish and Serve**
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
* Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
## Tips and Variations
* **Type of Salmon:** While salmon fillet is recommended, you can also use canned salmon for a more budget-friendly option. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add them to the skillet along with the tomatoes.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, to customize the flavor profile.
* **Spice:** For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Cheese:** If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
* **Wine:** If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest along with the juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.
* **Smoked Salmon:** Use smoked salmon for a smoky flavor. Add it at the very end to prevent it from drying out.
* **Make Ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it before adding the pasta and salmon.
## Serving Suggestions
This Speedy Salmon & Tomato Cream Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich pasta dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would pair well with this pasta dish.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per Serving, based on a 4-serving recipe)
* Calories: 600-700
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 35-40g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.*
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use frozen salmon?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
**Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?**
A: Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Use about 1 (14.5-ounce) can.
**Q: Can I make this recipe without white wine?**
A: Yes, you can omit the white wine. Just add a little extra chicken broth or vegetable broth to the skillet to deglaze the pan.
**Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, and rotini all work well.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?**
A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add them to the skillet along with the tomatoes.
**Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
**Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?**
A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based salmon alternatives (such as tofu skin or carrot “salmon”), plant-based cream (such as cashew cream or coconut cream), and omitting the Parmesan cheese. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
## Conclusion
This Speedy Salmon & Tomato Cream Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful sauce, tender salmon, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal in under 30 minutes! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!