Description
Creamy, comforting, and packed with nutritious ingredients, this Salmon and Broccoli Pasta is a wholesome one-pan meal that brings together tender flakes of salmon, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a light garlic cream sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for a special dinner—plus, it’s packed with protein, omega-3s, and fiber. A win-win for both flavor and health!
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Ingredients
For the Pasta Dish:
8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work well)
2 cups broccoli florets
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Juice of ½ lemon (for serving)
For the Light Cream Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
Extra Parmesan for topping
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
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In the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
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Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
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While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
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Cook salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 145°F).
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Remove from heat, flake into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
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Slowly whisk in milk and broth until smooth.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
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Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce.
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Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
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Gently fold in flaked salmon and lemon zest.
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Heat for 1–2 minutes just to warm everything through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
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Spoon into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil.
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Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a wedge on the side.
Notes
Use Fresh Salmon – It adds the best flavor and flakes beautifully into the pasta.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Just a few minutes in the boiling water keeps it vibrant and crisp.
Add Pasta Water Slowly – It helps the sauce cling to the pasta without becoming watery.
Customize It – Add mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flair.
Lighten It Up – Use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter cream sauce option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American with Mediterranean Influence