This Angel Hair Pasta with Salmon, Arugula, and Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce is a perfect balance of creamy and fresh, with delicate pasta paired with tender salmon. The arugula adds a subtle peppery bite, while the tangy lemon and rich Parmesan sauce elevate the dish to a comforting, yet light meal.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is a showstopper. The combination of fresh ingredients and flavors creates a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a quick and easy meal, yet indulgent enough for any special occasion or weeknight dinner.
Full Recipe:
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8 oz angel hair pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 oz salmon fillets
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 cups fresh arugula
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
Directions:
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Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce. Stir in the arugula and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
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Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 530 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Introduction to Angel Hair Pasta with Salmon, Arugula, and Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce
Angel Hair Pasta with Salmon, Arugula, and Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce is a delightful combination of light, tender pasta, flavorful fish, and a tangy, creamy sauce. This dish brings together the delicate textures of angel hair pasta, the savory richness of salmon, and the peppery freshness of arugula, all enveloped in a luscious lemon Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, providing both comfort and freshness in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this dish promises to impress.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Angel hair pasta is known for its light and airy texture, which makes it ideal for lighter, more delicate sauces. It pairs beautifully with the rich, oily texture of salmon, which adds a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids and protein to the meal. Arugula, with its peppery flavor, adds a sharp contrast that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce, creating a refreshing balance. The addition of lemon enhances the dish with a bright, zesty kick that brings the whole recipe together.
This dish isn’t just about the taste—it’s also about providing a well-rounded, nutritious meal. Salmon is an excellent source of protein, and it also contains heart-healthy fats that are beneficial for overall wellness. Arugula contributes a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants, while the lemon juice helps boost your immune system with its vitamin C content. When combined with the light yet creamy sauce made from Parmesan and heavy cream, you get a wholesome and satisfying dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
The Perfect Comfort Food with a Touch of Elegance
There’s something special about the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce in this recipe. It’s rich and velvety, but not overwhelming, perfectly complementing the delicate angel hair pasta and the tender salmon. The sauce is made with just a few ingredients, yet it creates a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. The smooth creaminess is offset by the tang of lemon, and the Parmesan brings a subtle, nutty richness that makes each bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a romantic dinner for two, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and elegance. The salmon provides a luxurious and sophisticated touch, while the arugula adds a fresh, vibrant contrast that keeps the dish from feeling too rich or heavy. The lightness of the angel hair pasta ensures that the dish doesn’t become too filling, allowing you to savor each bite without feeling overstuffed.
A Versatile Dish for All Occasions
One of the most appealing aspects of Angel Hair Pasta with Salmon, Arugula, and Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce is its versatility. It works just as well for a quick weeknight meal as it does for a more elaborate dinner party. The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences, allowing for substitutions and variations. You can swap the salmon for another type of fish like trout or tuna, or even opt for a vegetarian version by omitting the seafood altogether and adding more vegetables or plant-based protein.
Additionally, you can adjust the level of creaminess in the sauce based on your preferences. If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use a lighter alternative like half-and-half or coconut cream. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—while it has a rich and satisfying flavor profile, it can be made to suit various dietary needs without losing its charm.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
This recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a health-conscious choice. Salmon is renowned for its heart-healthy benefits, as it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation in the body. The antioxidants found in arugula, including vitamins A, C, and K, contribute to immune health and promote skin health. Meanwhile, the lemon in the sauce provides a burst of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, helping to maintain healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues.
In addition to the physical benefits, this dish is incredibly satisfying, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s filling without being overly heavy, making it a great option for those looking for a nourishing meal that doesn’t leave them feeling sluggish.
How to Serve Angel Hair Pasta with Salmon, Arugula, and Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce
This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a perfect choice for any dinner table. When serving, consider pairing it with a light salad, perhaps featuring mixed greens or a citrusy vinaigrette, to complement the bright lemony flavor in the pasta. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, would also pair wonderfully with this meal, enhancing the flavors of the fish and creamy sauce.
For a more substantial meal, you could serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or baby carrots. These vegetables not only add a colorful contrast to the plate but also provide extra nutrients, making the meal even more wholesome.
If you’re serving this for a special occasion or dinner party, consider adding a garnish of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving can also enhance the citrusy zing, brightening up the flavors.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe is delicious as is, it’s also highly adaptable. For those who prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk or a plant-based cream, which will still provide richness but with a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of arugula, you can swap it out for spinach or another leafy green, depending on what you have on hand. You could even experiment with different types of pasta—linguine or fettuccine would work well in place of angel hair.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the creamy and tangy flavors. For an extra touch of luxury, consider topping the dish with a handful of toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for crunch. These small additions can elevate the dish, making it even more satisfying and memorable.
Conclusion
Angel Hair Pasta with Salmon, Arugula, and Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce is a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, nutritious, and versatile. The delicate angel hair pasta pairs perfectly with the rich salmon, while the arugula adds freshness and the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce ties it all together with a comforting yet light finish. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to create a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Its ease of preparation and flexibility make it an excellent choice for home cooks of all levels, and the balance of flavors ensures it will be a hit with anyone at the table.