Imagine a dish that combines the luxurious richness of salmon, the tangy creaminess of labneh, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta—all ready in just 25 minutes! This Easy Salmon Pasta with Creamy Labneh Sauce is not just a meal; it's a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag, this recipe is your golden ticket to deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup labneh
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden.
- Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together labneh, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the labneh sauce over the pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky consistency.
- Gently break the cooked salmon into large flakes and fold into the pasta.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh chopped dill, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
- Salmon Searing Secret: Pat your salmon fillets dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior. A dry surface guarantees beautiful caramelization.
- Flavor Layering: Sauté garlic in the same skillet used for salmon to capture those delicious, caramelized flavor remnants.
- Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired sauce thickness. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh dill for garnishing—it adds a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
- Temperature Tip: Serve immediately while the pasta is hot to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor blend.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
