Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets (skin removed)
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the fish is cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan, set it aside on a plate, and gently flake it into large bite-sized chunks using two forks.
- Step 2: Boil the Pasta and Sauté Aromatics. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This creates the flavorful base for your holiday seafood sauce.
- Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it just begins to wilt into the warm cream. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Step 4: Combine and Garnish. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, adding a splash of the reserved water if the sauce needs loosening. Gently fold in the flaked salmon chunks. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while hot for the best Christmas dinner experience.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes