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Tag: #salmon

  • Better Than Restaurant Salmon Alfredo (In Just 20 Minutes!) 🤫✨

    Better Than Restaurant Salmon Alfredo (In Just 20 Minutes!) 🤫✨

    Want restaurant-quality pasta without leaving the house? This ultra-creamy, foolproof Salmon Alfredo takes just 20 minutes, using fresh salmon baked perfectly in the oven and a rich sauce made on the hob

    Look, we’ve all been there. It’s 6:00 PM on a weekday, you’re completely wiped out, but you’re absolutely craving something fancy and comforting. You could spend a small fortune ordering a lukewarm pasta delivery… or you could make this.

    Honestly, this Creamy Salmon Alfredo is a total game-changer.

    We are using ordinary fresh salmon fillets for this, baking them to absolute perfection in the oven so they stay incredibly juicy and tender. While the oven does the heavy lifting with the fish, you’ll whip up a velvety, rich Parmesan cream sauce right on the hob. Then, you just flake those beautiful, tender salmon chunks straight into the glossy fettuccine. It is absolute luxury in a bowl.

    Let’s get cooking!

    🔥 Why This Recipe Is A Total Winner

    • Hands-Off Salmon: Baking the salmon in the oven locks in all the moisture and means you don’t have to stand over a spitting pan flipping delicate fish. It’s pretty much impossible to overcook it this way!
    • The “Liquid Gold” Secret: We’re using starchy pasta water on the hob to bind everything together. It turns a basic cream-and-cheese mix into that glossy, silky sauce you usually only get at high-end Italian spots.
    • Super Fast: Because the salmon bakes while your pasta boils, the whole meal comes together in about 20 minutes flat.

    🛒 What You’ll Need

    Here’s your quick shopping list. This recipe makes enough for 2 to 3 very happy people. Ingredient Quantity My Personal Notes Fresh Salmon Fillets 250g Just standard raw fillets (skin-on or skinless is fine) Dried Fettuccine 250g Tagliatelle or linguine work perfectly too Unsalted Butter 50g Use unsalted so your sauce isn’t a total salt bomb Shallot 1 small Chop this up as finely as you can Double Cream 125ml Don’t skimp here—double cream gives it that signature thickness Parmigiano Reggiano 60g Grate it fresh! The pre-packaged powder won’t melt right Salt & Black Pepper To taste A bit for the fish, a bit for the sauce Fresh Parsley A handful Optional, but it makes it look pretty

    👩‍🍳 Let’s Make It!

    1. Bake the Salmon

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6). Line a tray with baking paper, lay your fresh salmon fillets down, and rub the flesh with a tiny bit of oil or butter. Pop a pinch of salt and pepper on top.

    Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. Pull it out of the oven, slide the skin off (if it had any), and gently flake the meat into big, rustic chunks. Set them aside for the very end.

    2. Boil Your Pasta on the Hob

    While the salmon is in the oven, get a big pan of salted water to a rolling boil on the hob. Drop in your fettuccine and cook until it’s al dente (cooked through but still has a bit of a bite).

    🛑 DO NOT SKIP THIS: Before you drain the pasta, grab a mug and scoop out 120ml (about ½ cup) of that cloudy pasta water. This is our secret weapon! Now you can drain the rest of the pasta in a colander.

    3. Start the Cream Base

    Melt your 50g of butter in a deep frying pan on the hob over a medium heat. Throw in your chopped shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and sweet. Pour in the 125ml of double cream and bring it to a quick bubble, then turn the heat straight down to medium-low and let it simmer for 3 minutes to thicken up.

    4. Make It Cheesy

    Take the frying pan completely off the heat source. Stir in your 60g of grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a final ¼ tsp of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese completely melts into a silky, smooth sauce.

    5. Bring It All Together on the Hob

    Toss your drained fettuccine, that 120ml of saved pasta water, and your gorgeous oven-baked salmon chunks right into the sauce. Put the pan back on the hob over a medium heat.

    Toss very gently for 1.5 to 2 minutes so you don’t break up the salmon. You’ll see the magic happen right before your eyes—the starchy water and cream will marry together into a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to every single noodle without pooling at the bottom of the pan.

    💡 Quick Tips for Perfection

    • Seriously, Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese in packets is coated in starch to stop it clumping, which means it will make your sauce grainy. Grate a block yourself for that ultra-smooth finish.
    • Keep the Salmon Large: When you’re mixing everything at the end, channel your inner chef and toss gently. If you stir too hard, those lovely oven-baked salmon pieces will disintegrate into mush. Bigger chunks mean a much better texture!

    💬 Over To You!

    Are you team parsley or do you like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on your salmon pasta? Let me know in the comments below if you try this out!

  • The Ultimate Cheesy Smoked Salmon Pasta Bake

    The Ultimate Cheesy Smoked Salmon Pasta Bake

    There is comfort food, and then there is comfort food. If you’re tired of the same old standard weeknight casseroles, it’s time to give your dinner routine a serious upgrade

    .

    Enter the Smoked Salmon Pasta Bake.

    Imagine tender farfalle pasta coated in a velvety, nutmeg-infused béchamel sauce, layered with rich strips of smoked salmon, and blanketed under a bubbling, golden crust of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. It’s decadent, incredibly savory, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen.

    Let’s dive into how to make this ultimate cozy dinner.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • The Flavor Combo: Smoked salmon and rich, nutty Gruyère cheese are a match made in culinary heaven.
    • That Béchamel Sauce: Forget jarred sauces. This scratch-made white sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level.
    • Texture Goals: The combination of soft pasta, tender salmon, and a crispy breadcrumb topping gives you the perfect bite every single time.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Here is everything you need to grab from the shop. Ingredient Amount (Metric) Amount (Imperial) Full-fat milk 750ml 1¼ pints Unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing) 120g 4½oz Plain flour 50g 1¾oz Dried pasta (Farfalle works best!) 300g 10½oz Smoked salmon (cut into strips) 250g 9oz Gruyère cheese (grated) 250g 9oz Parmesan cheese (grated) 75g 2½oz Dried breadcrumbs 3 tbsp 3 tbsp Freshly grated nutmeg, salt, & pepper To taste To taste

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. Prep and Warm the Milk

    Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C Fan / Gas 6. Grease a large gratin dish with a little bit of butter. In a small saucepan, slowly bring your milk to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

    2. Whip Up the Béchamel Sauce

    Over very low heat, melt half of your butter (60g) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns just golden but not brown.

    Remove the pan from the heat. Add the warm milk just a few tablespoonfuls at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until completely smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a generous pinch of fresh nutmeg. Return to the heat and slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.

    3. Cook the Pasta

    Boil your pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the packet instructions (aim for al dente, as it will cook more in the oven). Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with half of the remaining butter pieces so it doesn’t stick.

    4. Layer It Up!

    Now for the fun part. Grab your greased baking dish and layer everything like a lasagna:

    1. Base: Spoon 2–3 tbsp of béchamel into the dish.
    2. Layer 1: Top with a third of the pasta, half the salmon, and half the Gruyère. Sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
    3. Layer 2: Spread over some more béchamel, half of the remaining pasta, and all of the remaining salmon and Gruyère.
    4. Top Layer: Add the final bit of pasta, cover completely with the rest of the béchamel, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Dot the very top with your last few pieces of butter.

    5. Bake to Golden Perfection

    Pop it in the oven for 20–30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a gorgeous, crispy, golden crust on top.

    Chef’s Tip: Let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This allows the sauce to settle so you get clean, beautiful scoops when serving!

    Recipe Variations & Substitutions

    • The Pasta: While farfalle (bow-tie pasta) is the absolute best shape for catching pockets of cheese and salmon, you can easily substitute penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
    • The Cheese: If you can’t find Gruyère, a high-quality sharp white Cheddar or Fontina cheese makes a fantastic swap.
    • Add Greens: Want some veggies? Toss a handful of fresh baby spinach or frozen peas into the hot pasta right before layering.

    Print or Save This Recipe!

    If you made this Cheesy Smoked Salmon Pasta Bake, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to tag me in your food photos on Instagram

  • The 20-minute Baked Salmon Tagliatelle You’ll Have On Repeat

    The 20-minute Baked Salmon Tagliatelle You’ll Have On Repeat

    Can we just be honest for a second? Some days, the thought of standing over a hot stove flipping food, dodging oil splatters, and washing three different pans makes me want to just pour a bowl of cereal and call it a night. I love a good home-cooked meal as much as the next person, but weeknight energy is a very limited resource.

    That is exactly how this recipe was born.

    I used to pan-sear the salmon for my pasta, but after one too many times of the fish breaking apart into sad little shreds (or worse, drying out because I got distracted), I tried baking it instead. Total game-changer. You just pop the seasoned fillets into the oven, let them get perfectly tender and juicy, and use that time to whip up the easiest, most luxurious garlic cream sauce you’ve ever tasted.

    And using tagliatelle? Absolute heaven. There is something so incredibly satisfying about winding those long, glossy ribbons around your fork, especially when they are carrying a velvety parmesan sauce and flakes of juicy salmon. It feels like a fancy £25 restaurant meal, but it takes about 20 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have in the fridge.

    What You’ll Need

    • The Salmon: 250g salmon fillets, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

    • The Pasta: 225g of tagliatelle nests (the thick ribbons are built for this sauce).

    • The Velvet Sauce: 2 tbsp butter, 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic, 60ml dry white wine (or just use a splash of pasta water if you’ve already finished the bottle), 240ml double cream, 50g grated parmesan, and a big handful of fresh baby spinach.

    How to Make It

    First things first, get your oven preheating to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). Rub your salmon fillets with the olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, then pop them on a baking tray. Bake for about 12–15 minutes. It should flake beautifully with a fork.

    While the salmon is doing its thing, boil your tagliatelle in well-salted water. Don’t forget this part: right before you drain it, scoop out a mug of that starchy pasta water. It’s pure liquid gold for making sauces silky.

    Now for the magic. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat and fry the garlic for just a minute until your kitchen smells incredible. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, letting it bubble away for about two minutes. Next, pour in the double cream and let it simmer gently for 3 minutes. Turn the heat right down, stir in the parmesan until it’s completely melted, and toss in the spinach until it wilts.

    To finish, flake your baked salmon into lovely, chunky pieces (you can leave the skin behind). Toss the glorious tagliatelle ribbons and the salmon gently into the cream sauce. If it feels a bit too thick, splash in some of that saved pasta water to help it glide and coat the pasta.

    Top with a massive squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and you’re ready to eat.

    A Little Thought Before You Go…

    There is something so deeply comforting about sitting down to a warm bowl of pasta at the end of a long day. It’s more than just fuel; it’s a little reset button. I love this recipe because it proves that taking care of yourself and eating something genuinely delicious doesn’t have to require hours of effort or a mountain of washing up. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of whatever you fancy, and treat yourself tonight. You’ve earned it.

    Let me know in the comments below if you make this, and tell me: are you team tagliatelle or do you prefer short pasta shapes like penne?

  • Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta Bake (Cosy, Creamy & So Easy)

    Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta Bake (Cosy, Creamy & So Easy)


    This is one of those dinners that just feels right at the end of a long day. It’s warm, creamy, full of flavour, and looks like you’ve made a real effort… even though it’s actually very simple to throw together.


    This pesto salmon pasta bake has quickly become a favourite in our house. You’ve got flaky salmon, sweet roasted tomatoes, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce all wrapped up with pasta and topped with that golden, crispy finish. It’s the kind of meal that disappears quickly and gets requested again the next week.


    What I love most is how versatile it is. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening at home, but it’s also lovely enough to put in the middle of the table if you’ve got people coming round. And if you like to get ahead, you can prep it earlier in the day and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.


    Ingredients
    • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved or sliced
    • 2 salmon fillets (about 260g)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 350g penne
    • 1 small broccoli (about 300g), cut into small florets
    • 150g pesto
    • 250g mascarpone
    • 50g breadcrumbs
    • 20g grated parmesan
    Method
    Start by preheating your oven to 160c . Arrange the cherry tomatoes and salmon fillets on a baking tray on foil season well, and drizzle over half of the olive oil.

    Bake for around 15/20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the tomatoes are soft and juicy. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Meanwhile, cook the penne according to the packet instructions until al dente.

    Add the broccoli for the final 2 minutes so it cooks through but still keeps a bit of texture.


    Before draining, scoop out a large mug of the pasta water—this makes all the difference to your sauce.

    Return the pasta and broccoli to the pan, then stir in the pesto, mascarpone, and half of the roasted tomatoes.

    Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, similar to double cream.

    Flake in the salmon, removing the skin, and gently fold everything together so you keep those nice chunky pieces.


    Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.

    Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and remaining olive oil together, then scatter over the top.

    Finish by adding the rest of the tomatoes.

    Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20 minutes, or 25 minutes if cooking from chilled, until the top is golden and crisp.

    A Few Handy Tips
    • A little squeeze of lemon just before serving really brightens everything up.
    • You can easily swap the salmon for chicken or prawns if that’s what you have.
    • It reheats really well the next day, so it’s great for leftovers.
    Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This
    It’s one of those reliable, no-fuss meals that still feels a bit special. Creamy, crispy, full of flavour—and easy enough to make any night of the week.

    Let me know if you give this one a go—I always love hearing what you think, and any little tweaks you make along the way. Don’t forget to save it for later, because this is definitely one you’ll want to come back to.