Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Herb-Crusted Salmon with Velvety Broccoli Penne in Tuscan Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
12 oz penne pasta
3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups fresh spinach
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Meanwhile, heat remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Gradually stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, remaining garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Serve pasta on plates, top with salmon fillets, and garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 680 kcal | Servings: 4 servings