Description
This Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts is a delicious and creamy weeknight meal that combines tender chunks of salmon with sautéed Brussels sprouts, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, easy to prepare, and ideal for a wholesome family dinner or a quick nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts (trimmed and thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the salmon: While the pasta cooks, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky. Transfer the salmon to a plate and gently break into large chunks.
- Sauté Brussels sprouts and garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced Brussels sprouts and sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender and slightly browned. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce and combine: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Gently fold in the flaked salmon and squeeze in the lemon juice. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- You can substitute smoked salmon or leftover roasted salmon for the fresh fillets.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
