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Creamy Salmon Pasta with Rigatoni: A Luxurious Dish for Every Occasion
If you’re looking to elevate your pasta game with something indulgent yet simple to prepare, Creamy Salmon Pasta with Rigatoni is the perfect dish to impress your guests or satisfy your own craving for a rich, flavorful meal. The combination of tender salmon, creamy sauce, and hearty rigatoni pasta creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
This dish brings together fresh ingredients, comforting pasta, and the natural richness of salmon in a way that feels sophisticated but is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this creamy salmon pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Salmon Pasta with Rigatoni
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Deliciously Creamy: The rich, velvety cream sauce is a perfect match for the delicate, flaky salmon and the hearty rigatoni.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
- Nutritious: Packed with healthy fats from the salmon, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients.
- Versatile: You can swap out the rigatoni for other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine if you prefer, and add extra ingredients like spinach, capers, or lemon zest to make the dish your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious creamy salmon pasta, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 salmon fillets (skinless, boneless)
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 9-11 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Set the cooked rigatoni aside.
2. Cook the Salmon
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden on the outside and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Once the salmon is slightly cooled, use a fork to break it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil or a small pat of butter, then toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the sauce and give it a rich, velvety texture.
4. Combine the Salmon and Pasta
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the flaked salmon back into the skillet. Gently fold the salmon into the creamy sauce, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Next, add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky smooth texture.
5. Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the lemon juice for a burst of freshness, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle in some fresh dill for an herbaceous note that complements the salmon beautifully.
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