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Salmon Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a fancy dinner. Fettuccine pasta is tossed in a homemade Alfredo sauce, with tender salmon added to the mix. The result is a rich and indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With the addition of freshly grated Parmesan and the perfect balance of seasoning, this dish is sure to impress!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

12 ounces salmon fillets
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
8 ounces dry fettuccine
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Bake the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes apart easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. Flake the salmon with a fork and set it aside.
Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions for al dente pasta. Before draining, reserve 8 ounces of pasta water.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Sauce: Add Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low.
Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, along with ½ to ¾ cup of reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Add the flaked salmon and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 796 kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 51g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 232mg
Sodium: 1111mg
Potassium: 650mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 1597 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 524mg
Iron: 2mg

This dish combines rich flavors and a creamy texture, perfect for any occasion!

Why Salmon Makes the Perfect Addition

Salmon is often chosen for pasta dishes due to its tender, flaky texture and rich flavor. It provides a light yet filling protein that contrasts beautifully with the rich Alfredo sauce. The natural oils in the salmon also add an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the creamy texture of the sauce. Baked salmon, when flaked and mixed with the pasta, brings a satisfying bite to every forkful, making the dish more hearty and flavorful.

Baking the salmon is a simple process, ensuring the fish stays moist and tender without the need for complicated cooking techniques. A few simple seasonings, like salt and pepper, bring out the natural flavors of the fish, allowing it to shine alongside the sauce and pasta.

The Creamy Alfredo Sauce: A Luxurious Base

The Alfredo sauce is the heart of this dish, providing the signature creamy texture and indulgent flavor that makes it so comforting. The combination of butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that envelops the fettuccine perfectly. Garlic and Italian seasoning bring depth to the sauce, infusing it with subtle yet aromatic flavors. The sauce is both rich and smooth, creating a luxurious texture that clings to the pasta and perfectly complements the tender salmon.

The heavy cream is the key ingredient in creating that smooth, silky sauce that Alfredo is known for. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty richness, while the butter helps to create a base that allows the other flavors to meld together beautifully. By adding the Parmesan cheese to the sauce at the end, it ensures that it melts smoothly, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.

The Role of Fettuccine: A Perfect Pasta Choice

Fettuccine is the ideal pasta choice for Salmon Alfredo because its wide, flat shape allows it to hold up to the rich, creamy sauce. The broad noodles are able to carry more sauce than thinner pasta shapes, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, fettuccine’s texture complements the salmon well, making it the perfect vehicle for this indulgent dish.

When cooked to al dente perfection, fettuccine provides a slight bite that contrasts nicely with the tender, creamy sauce and flaky salmon. It is a hearty pasta that can absorb the sauce while maintaining its structure, making it a perfect match for the creamy Alfredo sauce and delicate fish.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best aspects of Salmon Alfredo is how quickly it comes together. While the salmon is baking in the oven, you can easily cook the fettuccine and prepare the sauce, making the entire meal ready in less than 30 minutes. The baking time for the salmon is only about 10-12 minutes, while the pasta cooks and the sauce thickens. This makes the dish perfect for those busy evenings when you want something rich and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

The Alfredo sauce is simple to make with just a few ingredients. By cooking garlic in butter, adding heavy cream and seasonings, and finishing with Parmesan cheese, you’ll have a luxurious sauce in no time. Tossing the pasta and flaked salmon in the sauce ties everything together, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

Balancing Richness with Lightness

Although Salmon Alfredo is indulgent, it strikes a great balance between richness and lightness. The fresh salmon adds a lighter, protein-packed component to the dish, making it feel less heavy compared to traditional Alfredo recipes that rely on cream and cheese alone. The delicate flavors of the salmon are enhanced by the creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s satisfying without being overwhelming. The addition of a simple garnish like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan helps to elevate the dish and add a fresh element to counterbalance the richness.

Serving Suggestions

Salmon Alfredo is a filling meal on its own, but you can always serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to add more variety and freshness to the meal. A light, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the Alfredo sauce, helping to cut through the creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, add both color and nutritional value to the plate, making the meal feel even more satisfying.

If you want to enhance the flavor even further, a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish and add a pop of color. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top for an extra kick.

Conclusion: A Rich, Flavorful Meal for Any Occasion

In conclusion, Salmon Alfredo is a rich, creamy dish that combines the best of both worlds: the luxurious comfort of Alfredo sauce with the delicate flavor and texture of salmon. It’s easy to prepare, quick to make, and sure to impress anyone at the table. The combination of perfectly baked salmon, silky Alfredo sauce, and al dente fettuccine creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With the addition of freshly grated Parmesan and a few simple seasonings, this dish is both indulgent and balanced, offering a rich and flavorful experience with every bite. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with guests, Salmon Alfredo is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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