Lemon Herb Crusted Salmon with Creamy Ditalini Pasta

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Carly's Cookbook (@carlyscookbook)

Crispy baked salmon, broccolini, and creamy pasta all in one dish. This is a go-to date night dinner that combines fresh flavors with indulgent textures. Perfect for impressing someone special or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Lemon Herb Crusted Salmon with Creamy Ditalini Pasta recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
25min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of salmon with creamy ditalini pasta and broccolini)

For the Salmon

  • salmon
    salmon
    4oz
  • breadcrumbs
    breadcrumbs
    1cup
  • egg
    egg
    1
  • salt
    salt
    1dash
  • pepper
    pepper
    1dash
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    1dash
  • parsley
    parsley
    1tbsp
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    1tbsp
  • lemon
    lemon
    1

For the Broccolini

  • broccolini
    broccolini
    1bundle
  • shallot
    shallot
    1
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    2tbsp
  • stick butter
    stick butter
    1/2

For the Creamy Ditalini Pasta

  • ditalini pasta
    ditalini pasta
    1cup
  • pasta water
    pasta water
    1/2cup
  • heavy cream
    heavy cream
    3/4cup
  • paprika
    paprika
    1dash
  • salt
    salt
    1dash
  • pepper
    pepper
    1dash
  • parmesan cheese
    parmesan cheese
    1/4cup
  • parsley
    parsley
    1tbsp
  • lemon juice
    lemon juice
    1tbsp
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    1dash

How to make Lemon Herb Crusted Salmon with Creamy Ditalini Pasta

Prepare the Salmon

  1. Step 1

    Crack and whisk an egg in a bowl. Season breadcrumbs with parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

    Step 1.1: Crack and whisk an egg in a bowl
  2. Step 2

    Slice the lemon and place it on the bottom of your baking dish. Dip the salmon in the seasoned breadcrumbs and layer it over the lemon slices.

    Step 1.1: Slice the lemon and place it on the bottom of your baking dish
  3. Step 3

    Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Cook the Broccolini

  1. Step 1

    Chop the broccolini and shallots. Heat olive oil and ½ stick of butter in a pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add the shallots and cook until softened. Once the salmon is done, add the roasted lemons into the pan.

  3. Step 3

    Toss in the broccolini and cook for a couple of minutes, until it turns bright green. Remove the broccolini from the pan but keep the butter and shallots.

Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce

  1. Step 1

    Pour heavy cream into the pan with the butter and shallots. Add paprika, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, and garlic powder.

    Step 3.1: Pour heavy cream into the pan with the butter and shallots
  2. Step 2

    Stir until the flavors are combined and the sauce has thickened.

Cook the Pasta and Combine

  1. Step 1

    Boil the ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. Step 2

    Pour the reserved pasta water into the sauce. Drain the pasta and toss it in the creamy sauce.

Plate and Serve

  1. Step 1

    Plate the salmon, creamy ditalini pasta, and broccolini together. Serve and enjoy!

    Step 5.1: Plate the salmon, creamy ditalini pasta, and broccolini together

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

308.5kcal (15.43%)

Protein

14.0g (28%)

Carbs

24.5g (8.91%)

Sugars

2.0g (4%)

Healthy Fat

12.1g

Unhealthy Fat

5.9g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use fresh parsley and lemon for the best flavor.

  2. Make sure the salmon is fully coated in breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.

  3. Save some extra pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.

  4. Cook the broccolini until bright green to maintain its crunch and freshness.

  5. Grate the parmesan cheese fresh for a richer taste.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

    Yes, you can substitute ditalini pasta with other small pasta shapes like macaroni or penne.

  2. What can I use instead of broccolini?

    You can use asparagus or green beans as a substitute for broccolini.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

  4. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

    The salmon is cooked when the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

  5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before combining it with the pasta.

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