Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 salmon filets (4 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels. Evenly coat both sides with Cajun seasoning to infuse a spicy, smoky flavor.
- Pan-Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon filets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside for plating later.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream.
- Incorporate Seasonings and Cheese: Add the salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet with the cream mixture. Whisk continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
- Serve: Plate the creamy fettuccine Alfredo and top each serving with a pan-seared salmon filet. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, bring the salmon to room temperature before seasoning and searing.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, but adjust to taste or substitute with your favorite spice blend.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American