The rich flavor of the fish makes this scrumptious creamy Salmon Alfredo seem more decadent than it really is. Perfect for guests or busy weeknight nights!
Easy Salmon Alfredo Pasta Recipe
I know what you’re thinking. “Salmon Alfredo? Why don’t I just eat a stick of butter?” There’s really no need to take that tone with me, ma’am (or sir). This scrumptious 30-minute easy Cajun Salmon Alfredo sounds way more decadent than it really is thanks to only a small amount of butter and plain old milk instead of heavy cream.
We all know oil in salmon is a good kind of fat (tell that to my thighs…) so this dinner is practically healthy food.
I just tested this recipe again recently (5/2014) since I wrote it a while ago, and I was sure I would need to reduce the amount of milk. It doesn’t seem like such a small amount of flour and butter would be enough to thicken up the milk, but trust me. It works.
If your pasta seems a little dry at the end or when you reheat your leftovers (if you don’t devour it all the first night), you may need to add a couple more tablespoons of milk or pasta cooking water to loosen up the sauce. I recommend serving this with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the rich pasta.
Lightly season salmon with Cajun seasoning. Cook on the stovetop 3-5 minutes per side, or bake in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, until fish is still slightly rare in the center.
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
While pasta and fish cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add flour, and whisk until a smooth paste is formed. Very slowly add the milk, about 1/4 c. at a time, whisking constantly until smooth. (If lumps form, use the back of a fork to crush the lumps and stir into sauce.) Add garlic powder, cayenne, cilantro, and salt and stir. Continue cooking and stirring until sauce gets bubbly and thickens.
Add cheese to sauce and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir until cheese is melted.
When fish is cooked, shred into about 2″ pieces. Add fish to sauce, and very gently stir to combine. Serve over pasta, or add cooked pasta into skillet with sauce and gently toss to coat.
Author:Andi Gleeson
Prep Time:15
Cook Time:15
Category:Main, Dinner, Pasta and Noodles, Seafood
Cuisine:American
Isn’t pasta with alfredo sauce the BEST? Here are some more recipes with alfredo sauce that I know you’ll enjoy:
Andi Gleeson
7 comments
Hank Bayer
4 years ago
This was very interesting and sounds yummy
Cathi
8 years ago
Hi 1st time with you, may I use canned salmon well drained, can’t aford fresh to make alfredo dinner
Andi Gleeson
8 years ago
Hi, Cathi! I’m so sorry for the very delayed response to your question. I’m not sure how I missed your comment earlier! You can definitely use canned pink salmon (no bones or skin) or the pouches. I like using canned fish in my recipes too! Thank you :)
Samantha Kherkher
9 years ago
Looks yummy! What kind of cajun seasoning do you recommend?
Andi Gleeson
9 years ago
Thank you, Samantha! I have used Tony Chachere’s for years, but I recently switched to Louisiana brand because it’s labeled as gluten free. Either one will work great in this recipe.
Carla
10 years ago
This sounds so delicious! Right up my alley for sure. I can hardly wait to try it! Thanks for the recipe :)
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7 comments
This was very interesting and sounds yummy
Hi 1st time with you, may I use canned salmon well drained, can’t aford fresh to make alfredo dinner
Hi, Cathi! I’m so sorry for the very delayed response to your question. I’m not sure how I missed your comment earlier! You can definitely use canned pink salmon (no bones or skin) or the pouches. I like using canned fish in my recipes too! Thank you :)
Looks yummy! What kind of cajun seasoning do you recommend?
Thank you, Samantha! I have used Tony Chachere’s for years, but I recently switched to Louisiana brand because it’s labeled as gluten free. Either one will work great in this recipe.
This sounds so delicious! Right up my alley for sure. I can hardly wait to try it! Thanks for the recipe :)
Thank you, Carla! I hope you enjoy it!