Description
A quick and flavorful Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts recipe, combining tender pan-seared salmon, sautéed Brussels sprouts, and al dente pasta tossed in a zesty lemon and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
For Cooking and Flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender and have a slight golden brown color.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with Brussels sprouts. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Flake the Salmon: Break the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss all ingredients together gently, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a creamy coating.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta shape according to preference or what you have available.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted according to heat preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
- If fresh Parmesan is not available, use the best quality grated Parmesan you can find.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and bring all flavors together.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan or using a vegan alternative.
