Perfect Salmon Alfredo

The rich flavor of the fish makes this scrumptious Salmon Alfredo seem more decadent than it really is. Perfect for guests or busy weeknight nights!

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 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 the good kind of fat (tell that to my thighs…) so this dinner is practically health 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.

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Perfect Salmon Alfredo

Salmon with spicy Cajun flavor dresses up this comforting alfredo pasta dish.

Votes: 35
Rating: 4
You:

Rate this recipe!

Course

Main

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Servings

MetricUS Imperial

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta of your choice
• 3/4 pound salmon fillet
• Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro substitute dried oregano if necessary
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups milk 2% or whole
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Course Main Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Servings MetricUS Imperial Ingredients 12 ounces pasta of your choice 3/4 pound salmon fillet Cajun seasoning 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon flour 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro substitute dried oregano if necessary 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups milk 2% or whole 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Votes: 35 Rating: 4 You: Rate this recipe!

Instructions

1. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. 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.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
4. 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.
5. Add cheese to sauce and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir until cheese is melted.
6. 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.

Isn’t pasta with alfredo sauce the BEST? Here are some more recipes I know you’ll enjoy:

Bacon Gouda Fettuccine Alfredo

Lightened Up Chicken Alfredo