Salmon & Broccoli Pasta Recipe – Italian Special
Craving a satisfying meal that’s both balanced and indulgent? This salmon broccoli pasta recipe combines flaky, oven-roasted salmon and crisp broccoli florets with tender pasta in a creamy garlic pasta sauce. It’s a healthy Italian seafood pasta that feels comforting yet fresh—a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner pasta that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
- Prep Time25 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time55 min
Salmon & Broccoli Pasta Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) salmon fillet, skinless and boneless
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to make Salmon & Broccoli Pasta:
Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5-7 minutes. If using cherry tomatoes, add them in the last 2 minutes.
Cook the Salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. In another skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and flaky. Remove from the pan and flake into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mixture. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Add Salmon: Gently fold in the flaked salmon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Recipe Notes
Reserve some pasta cooking water—a splash helps emulsify the sauce for silkier texture without thinning the flavor.
Remove the salmon skin after baking to ensure clean, flaky bites—especially helpful for polished presentation.
Brighten the dish before serving: garnish with lemon zest and a few fresh parsley leaves to elevate the aroma and add a vibrant flavor pop.
