Lemon Herb Crusted Salmon with Creamy Ditalini Pasta

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.

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Ingredients
For the Salmon
salmon4oz
breadcrumbs1cup
egg1- salt1dash
pepper1dash
garlic powder1dash
parsley1tbsp
olive oil1tbsp
lemon1
For the Broccolini
broccolini1bundle
shallot1
olive oil2tbsp
stick butter1/2
For the Creamy Ditalini Pasta
ditalini pasta1cup
pasta water1/2cup
heavy cream3/4cup
paprika1dash- salt1dash
pepper1dash
parmesan cheese1/4cup
parsley1tbsp
lemon juice1tbsp
garlic powder1dash
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
308.5kcal (15.43%)
Protein
16.8g (33.5%)
Carbs
23.8g (8.64%)
Sugars
2.0g (4%)
Healthy Fat
11.9g
Unhealthy Fat
6.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Lemon Herb Crusted Salmon with Creamy Ditalini Pasta
Prepare the Salmon
- Step 1
Crack and whisk an egg in a bowl. Season breadcrumbs with parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- 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 3
Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cook the Broccolini
- Step 1
Chop the broccolini and shallots. Heat olive oil and ½ stick of butter in a pan.
- Step 2
Add the shallots and cook until softened. Once the salmon is done, add the roasted lemons into the pan.
- 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
- 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 2
Stir until the flavors are combined and the sauce has thickened.
Cook the Pasta and Combine
- Step 1
Boil the ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2
Pour the reserved pasta water into the sauce. Drain the pasta and toss it in the creamy sauce.
Plate and Serve
- Step 1
Plate the salmon, creamy ditalini pasta, and broccolini together. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
308.5kcal (15.43%)
Protein
16.8g (33.5%)
Carbs
23.8g (8.64%)
Sugars
2.0g (4%)
Healthy Fat
11.9g
Unhealthy Fat
6.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Use fresh parsley and lemon for the best flavor.
Make sure the salmon is fully coated in breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
Save some extra pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
Cook the broccolini until bright green to maintain its crunch and freshness.
Grate the parmesan cheese fresh for a richer taste.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ditalini pasta with other small pasta shapes like macaroni or penne.
What can I use instead of broccolini?
You can use asparagus or green beans as a substitute for broccolini.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
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.
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.
Carly's Cookbook
(@carlyscookbook)
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