Penne Pasta al Salmone (Salmon Pasta)
Get a taste of Italy with this Penne Pasta al Salmone. An Italian salmon pasta recipe with penne, a wine cream sauce, capers, and fresh salmon. Garnished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese to top off this tasty and simple recipe!
Servings 6 servings
Calories 379kcal
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ lb salmon about 2 6oz filets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup capers heaping
- 1 cup white wine chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 lb penne pasta
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add salmon and sear on one side for about 1 minute. Then add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, capers, and wine.
- Simmer until the wine is reduced by half. Flip the salmon fillets halfway through, then reduce to low heat.
- Cook the penne in a pot of boiling water until al dente. When the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to add to the sauce, then strain the rest of the water. Add pasta back into the pot.
- Remove the salmon and place on a separate plate.
- To the pasta sauce, add cream and pasta water until desired consistency. Allow to simmer gently until warmed through.
- Using a fork, break up the salmon into bite-size pieces.
- Pour the sauce onto the pasta, adding more pasta water as needed. Gently mix in the salmon.
- Top pasta with fresh basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste for salt and adjust as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Tips
- Add salt to the penne while cooking.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon.
- Cook with good drinking wine. Then enjoy the rest with dinner!
- Substitute the salmon for smoked salmon. Many Italians make this recipe with smoked salmon to give a different flavor profile.
- Add in cherry tomatoes for a pop of flavor and color!
- Add spinach for more nutrition and color.
- Choose another cheese instead of parmesan. I like Asiago for a substitute for Parm.
- Try it out different types of pasta instead of penne. Try linguine, fettuccine, farfalle (bowtie), or regular cut spaghetti.
- To store in the fridge: Before storing in the fridge, be sure it's completely cooled and has come to room temperature. Place in an airtight container for about 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- To store in the freezer: Once cooled completely store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw completely prior to reheating.
- How to reheat: The easiest way to reheat this dish is to microwave it until warmed through. Another option is to use a skillet on low heat to reheat slowly. If reheating a large amount, place in an oven-safe baking dish and heat in a 350F oven until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 16g