If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines tender, perfectly seared salmon cubes with vibrant broccoli and silky pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that’s bursting with bright lemony notes and garlic warmth. This dish is not only comforting and indulgent, but it also strikes a beautiful balance between rich flavors and fresh ingredients, making every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create an impressive, restaurant-quality meal. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the rich butter for the sauce or the fresh broccoli that adds a satisfying crunch and a pop of color.
- Salmon fillets: Use skinless and cut into cubes for even cooking and a tender texture.
- Olive oil: For searing the salmon and giving it a gorgeous golden crust.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: To perfectly season the salmon and the sauce.
- Lemon juice and zest: To brighten the flavors with a fresh citrus lift.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fragrant, herbal finish and lovely color on top.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up that creamy sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Tossed in with the pasta, they bring a vibrant green color and healthy crunch.
- Butter: The foundation of the creamy sauce, lending richness and smoothness.
- Minced garlic: Aromatic and essential for depth in the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The key to creating that silky, indulgent texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add layers of savory flavor.
How to Make Creamy Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by seasoning those salmon cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors and gives the fish a little zing. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the salmon cubes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This quick cooking keeps the salmon moist and flaky. Set them aside once done.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli Together
While the salmon rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, but here’s the trick: toss in the broccoli florets about 3 minutes before the pasta finishes cooking. This way, the broccoli will be perfectly tender without getting mushy. Drain both together and keep them ready for the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet that held the salmon, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until it fills the kitchen with a fragrant aroma—about one minute. Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let it come to a soft simmer before mixing in grated Parmesan cheese. This melts everything into a thick, luscious sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest to elevate the brightness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce
Now, toss the cooked pasta and broccoli directly into the creamy sauce, making sure every strand and floret is generously coated. This step makes the dish feel cohesive, rich, and satisfying.
Step 5: Plate and Add the Salmon
Serve the pasta and broccoli onto plates or a large serving bowl, then gently nestle the golden salmon cubes on top. Sprinkle fresh parsley all around for a fresh, herbal aroma and a gorgeous presentation. If you like, drizzle any remaining sauce over the salmon for that extra creamy touch.
How to Serve Creamy Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is your best friend here—it provides a pop of green and a subtle herbiness that balances the rich sauce. For an extra burst of flavor, consider sprinkling lemon zest or a few cracked black peppercorns on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta twirled into neat nests on each plate with the salmon cubes artfully arranged on top. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests or make a cozy dinner feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Creamy Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen. However, if you must freeze, store pasta, sauce, and salmon separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the salmon or curdling the sauce. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! While salmon is rich and flavorful, you can swap it for trout, cod, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the seafood stays tender and not overcooked.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free substitute and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor. The texture and richness may change slightly, but it’s still delicious.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try using whole wheat pasta for added fiber and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream. Steaming the broccoli instead of boiling can help retain more nutrients.
Can I prepare this recipe for a larger gathering?
Definitely! This recipe scales well. Just make sure to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain that perfect sear.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?
No worries! Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh herbs always lend a brighter flavor. You can also try fresh basil or chives as tasty alternatives.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe—each forkful is a comforting blend of flavors and textures that feel both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, I urge you to give this dish a try. It’s one of those recipes that warms the heart, impresses the palate, and never fails to bring smiles around the table.
Print
Creamy Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy pasta with salmon and broccoli is a delicious and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender cubes of seared salmon are combined with al dente pasta and fresh broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon zest, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets, skinless and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Pasta and Broccoli:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Season the salmon cubes evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta following the package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water together with the pasta. Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet that cooked the salmon, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, stirring up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest, if using.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and broccoli mixture. Top with the seared salmon pieces, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and drizzle any remaining sauce over the salmon for extra creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- Fresh lemon zest added to the sauce brightens the flavors beautifully but is optional.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
- Adding broccoli during the last few minutes of pasta cooking keeps it crisp-tender.
