When it comes to crafting a memorable dinner, Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo is an excellent choice. This dish combines tender pasta, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, all topped with flavorful blackened salmon bites. The result? A satisfying, restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to prepare this recipe, tips for success, and why it stands out as a must-try dish.
Why Choose Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo?
This recipe is not just delicious; it’s packed with essential nutrients and a mix of bold flavors. The blackened seasoning gives the salmon a smoky, spicy kick that perfectly balances the creamy Alfredo sauce. Plus, with the addition of broccoli, you’re adding a nutritious veggie to your meal.
Key Benefits:
- High in Protein: The salmon and cheese provide ample protein for muscle repair and satiety.
- Rich in Nutrients: Broccoli offers fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients Breakdown:
Let’s explore the main ingredients and their roles in this recipe:
Pasta and Broccoli:
- Fettuccini Pasta: A classic choice for Alfredo dishes, fettuccini holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli: Adds texture, color, and a health boost. Cooking it alongside the pasta saves time and preserves nutrients.
Salmon:
- Salmon Bites: Cutting the salmon into small pieces ensures even cooking.
- Blackened Seasoning: A mix of smoky spices that elevates the salmon to a bold, flavorful level.
Alfredo Sauce:
- Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: The foundation of the sauce, providing richness and creaminess.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a velvety texture and depth of flavor.
- Onions and Garlic: The aromatic base enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Blackened Seasoning: Ties the sauce flavor to the salmon for a cohesive dish.
Ingredients:
Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccini pasta
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into small pieces
Salmon:
- 1 pound salmon, pat dry, skin off, cut into 1-inch bites
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
Alfredo:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (357 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, shredded, plus extra for garnish
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook al dente, according to package directions (8-10 minutes).
- In the final 3-4 minutes of boiling the pasta, add the broccoli. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- Salmon
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Mix salmon bites with olive oil and blackened seasoning, then air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
Alfredo:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, cooking until softened, then add garlic for one more minute.
- Mix in heavy cream, parmesan, cream cheese, reserved pasta water, blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy. Add pasta and broccoli, tossing to coat. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as desired.
- Top with salmon bites and serve garnished with additional parmesan and parsley.
Tips for Success:
Choosing the Best Salmon:
Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen salmon works well—just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
Perfecting the Alfredo Sauce:
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can result in a grainy texture.
- Don’t overheat the sauce, as this can cause separation. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently.
Balancing the Heat:
While the blackened seasoning provides a spicy kick, you can adjust the spice level by reducing the seasoning or using a milder mix.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights:
This Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo strikes a balance between indulgence and practicality. With a total cook time of just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The use of an air fryer speeds up the salmon preparation while keeping it tender and flavorful.
Variations to Try:
Low-Carb Option:
Swap out the fettuccini for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce the carb content.
Dairy-Free Alternative:
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute for the sauce.
Protein Substitutes:
Not a fan of salmon? Try shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this creamy dish with:
- A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Warm garlic bread for dipping into the Alfredo sauce.
- A crisp glass of sparkling water or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
Conclusion:
Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo is a delightful dish that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of spice. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to fit your preferences. With its quick preparation and gourmet results, it’s a meal you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this restaurant-quality dish at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
More Recipe Suggestions:
Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Bacon
Roasted Blackened Cauliflower and Veggie Salad
Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo
Equipment
- Large Skillet (I prefer cast-iron, it goes from stove/oven to table)
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccini pasta
- 1 pound fresh broccoli cut into small pieces
Salmon:
- 1 pound salmon pat dry, skin off, cut into 1-inch bites
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
Alfredo:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded, plus extra for garnish
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook al dente, according to package directions (8-10 minutes).
- In the final 3-4 minutes of boiling the pasta, add the broccoli. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
Salmon
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Mix salmon bites with olive oil and blackened seasoning, then air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
Alfredo:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, cooking until softened, then add garlic for one more minute.
- Mix in heavy cream, parmesan, cream cheese, reserved pasta water, blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy. Add pasta and broccoli, tossing to coat. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as desired.
- Top with salmon bites and serve garnished with additional parmesan and parsley.
