Savory Salmon & Pea Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce, rich in protein and flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:2 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:High Protein
Ingredients
Scale
2 fillets Salmon (Can substitute with canned salmon; just drain and flake.)
200 g Penne pasta (Short pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni also work well.)
1 large Banana shallot (Regular onions can be used if shallots are unavailable.)
2 handfuls Frozen peas (Fresh peas can replace frozen if desired.)
6 tbsp Crème fraîche (Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for a similar texture.)
½ lemon Lemon juice + zest (Adjust quantity to taste.)
Salt and pepper (Always use freshly ground for best flavor.)
splash Light oil (Any neutral oil can be used.)
Fresh parsley or dill (Other herbs like basil or thyme can also work.)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets on it. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the salmon is tender and easily flakes with a fork. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before flaking into bite-sized pieces.
While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a small cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of light oil and allow it to heat. Once hot, add the chopped banana shallot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant.
To the sautéed shallots, stir in two handfuls of frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through and bright green.
In the skillet with the shallots and peas, reduce the heat to low and stir in 6 tablespoons of crème fraîche, along with the lemon juice and zest. Mix gently until well combined and creamy, allowing the sauce to warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the drained pasta and flaked salmon into the creamy lemon sauce, tossing everything gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Plate the Salmon & Pea Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce, garnishing with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
Notes
This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
You can adjust the lemon juice and zest to suit your taste.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs for garnish.