Imagine a dish that combines the smoky richness of perfectly grilled salmon, the tender crunch of asparagus, and the bright, zesty notes of lemon butter - all tossed with al dente penne pasta. This isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this salmon pasta recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and satisfy your most discerning palate.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the salmon and asparagus. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Toss the asparagus in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets and asparagus on the grill. Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork and has nice grill marks. Grill the asparagus for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- Once the salmon and asparagus are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, drain the penne pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the pot with the lemon butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Flake the grilled salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pasta, along with the grilled asparagus. Gently toss everything together to combine, being careful not to break the salmon too much.
- Season the pasta with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the penne with grilled salmon and asparagus warm, garnished with fresh dill for a burst of flavor and color.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select wild-caught salmon and fresh, firm asparagus for the best flavor and texture.
- Perfect Grill Technique: Ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat to achieve beautiful grill marks without overcooking the fish.
- Salmon Doneness: Cook salmon until it just flakes easily with a fork - this prevents drying out and maintains a moist, tender texture.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness can help create a silkier sauce if needed.
- Lemon Butter Hack: Add lemon juice to melted butter slowly and simmer briefly to develop a more complex, integrated flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh dill isn't just decoration - it adds a bright, herbal note that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Timing is Key: Try to time your pasta, salmon, and asparagus cooking so everything is hot and fresh when you combine them.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
