Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach Alfredo Penne
Succulent Garlic Butter Salmon Paired with Creamy Spinach Alfredo Penne
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 whole head of garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place it on foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap tightly, and roast for 30-35 minutes until golden and tender.
While garlic is roasting, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
Transfer the salmon to a baking sheet. Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the soft cloves into a small bowl, mash, and spread generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
Place the salmon in the oven and roast for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through but moist inside.
In the same skillet used for salmon, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously and reduce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Lower the heat and whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. If needed, thin the sauce with a little reserved pasta water.
Toss the cooked penne into the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice for a refreshing finish.
Serve the creamy penne pasta topped with the roasted garlic butter salmon and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 675 kcal | Servings: 4 servings