Why Make This Recipe

Salmon Alfredo is a rich and creamy dish that offers a delightful combination of flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special dinner or just a comforting meal at home. The combination of smoked salmon with the Alfredo sauce creates a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing both elegance and ease to your table. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.

How to Make Salmon Alfredo

Ingredients:

12 oz dried penne
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
8 oz smoked salmon (cut into thin strips)
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme

Directions:

Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the dried penne pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package for al dente texture.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring you keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes aromatic and slightly golden (be careful not to burn it).
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
After that, add the reserved ½ cup of pasta water to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low, and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper to suit your preference.

Toss Everything Together

Once the Alfredo sauce is complete, add the cooked pasta and the thin strips of smoked salmon to the skillet.
Gently toss everything together until the pasta and salmon are well coated in the creamy sauce.
Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish and Serve

For a lovely presentation, garnish your Salmon Alfredo with fresh thyme leaves.
Serve immediately, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for those who may want an extra sprinkle.

How to Serve Salmon Alfredo

Salmon Alfredo is best served hot and fresh from the stove. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the dish. A light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, can enhance the meal even further. Make sure to provide additional Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to personalize their servings.

How to Store Salmon Alfredo

If you happen to have leftovers (which is uncommon but possible!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken when refrigerated. Microwaving is also an option, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.

Tips to Make Salmon Alfredo

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-grated options.
Monitor the Heat: When making the Alfredo sauce, keep the heat low to avoid boiling the cream too violently, which could cause it to separate.
Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Pasta Variety: While penne is great, you can swap it with fettuccine or any pasta shape you love.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Since you are using smoked salmon, it simply needs to be heated through. Overcooking can lead to a tough texture.

Variation

If you want to add more vegetables to your Salmon Alfredo, consider adding steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach. These can provide additional flavor and nutrients, making the dish even more balanced. For a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Cook it separately before adding it to the pasta so that it is fully cooked through. Poaching or pan-searing works well.

2. How can I thicken the Alfredo sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, continue cooking it over low heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) for extra thickness.

3. Is it possible to freeze Salmon Alfredo?
While you can freeze the dish, be aware that the texture may change due to the cream sauce. It’s generally better to enjoy it fresh, but if freezing, store it in an airtight container and reheat over low heat slowly after thawing.

By following this simple recipe for Salmon Alfredo, you’ll have a deliciously creamy dish that can impress your family and friends. The balance of flavors and straightforward preparation makes it a go-to recipe in any household. Enjoy your cooking experience!

Salmon Alfredo

Author: mohamadalaoui
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A rich and creamy Salmon Alfredo with smoked salmon and freshly grated Parmesan, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz dried penne
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
8 oz smoked salmon (cut into thin strips)
2–3 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions for al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and cook until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle boil, and stir in reserved pasta water.
Reduce heat to low and gradually add Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine the cooked pasta and smoked salmon with the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

Best served hot. Can be paired with a green salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Salmon, Pasta, Alfredo, Quick Dinner, Creamy Sauce