There’s nothing quite like a dish that brings together the richness of salmon and the silky smoothness of pasta in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Tuscan Salmon & Mafaldine Pasta is a dreamy combination that feels like a cozy dinner by the sea. This dish is all about comfort with a touch of elegance. Trust me, it’s going to be your new favorite weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love Tuscan Salmon & Mafaldine Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, a casual family dinner, or just treating yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quiet night in or a dinner party.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like pasta and salmon, yet feels like a luxury dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings.
Customizable: You can add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra herbs to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a dish that’s a little creamy, a little savory, and totally comforting—this one’s a winner.
Ingredients in Tuscan Salmon & Mafaldine Pasta
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few fresh ingredients, but the flavors come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish, perfectly pan-seared to crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Mafaldine Pasta: This ribbon-like pasta is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce, making every bite a delight.
Heavy Cream: Adds the rich, velvety texture that makes the sauce so luxurious.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch for the sauce, adding a sharp, nutty depth.
Lemon Zest: Brings a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.
Fresh Herbs (like thyme or basil): Adds a burst of fresh flavor that makes the dish feel light and vibrant.
Olive Oil: For searing the salmon and creating a base for the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the savory flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: Add the mafaldine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Sear the Salmon: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in the skillet. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until crispy and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked mafaldine pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
Assemble the Dish: Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and gently toss with the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta and salmon warm, garnished with extra herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
(Note: nutrition may vary based on brands and added ingredients.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Tuscan Salmon & Mafaldine Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complement the creamy, flavorful pasta. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
- A simple roasted vegetable medley, like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, makes a beautiful addition.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- If you want to add extra veggies, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully in this dish.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest—it really brightens up the entire dish.
- To make it even more luxurious, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Save any leftover salmon to add to a salad or sandwich the next day.
FAQ’s
- Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, will work great. - Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas would be fantastic additions. - How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat. - Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, gouda or asiago would also work well in this recipe. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Unfortunately, mafaldine pasta isn’t gluten-free, but you can swap it for gluten-free pasta. - How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
It’s best to make the sauce fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook it when ready.
Conclusion
Tuscan Salmon & Mafaldine Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a celebration in every bite. Creamy, savory, and just a little bit indulgent, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Every forkful is full of flavor and comfort. Enjoy!
Print
Tuscan Salmon & Mafaldine Pasta
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 2servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tuscan Salmon & Mafaldine Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked salmon, tossed with tender mafaldine pasta in a rich and creamy garlic, sun-dried tomato, and spinach sauce. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 2 salmon fillets
– 8 oz mafaldine pasta
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the mafaldine pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
5. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
6. Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
– For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
– You can substitute fresh spinach with arugula for a peppery flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1plate
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg