Description
This vibrant Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are cooked to perfection and combined with sautéed Brussels sprouts, garlic, and a zesty lemon-Parmesan sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe balances healthy ingredients with comforting flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
Salmon and Vegetables
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Flavoring
- 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: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Prepare the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Brussels sprouts: Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with Brussels sprouts. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Flake the salmon: Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts and garlic mix.
- Combine pasta and flavors: Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water because it helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- You can substitute the salmon with other firm fish like cod or trout if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If Parmesan is not available, a hard grating cheese like Pecorino Romano can be used.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
