Date Night Blackened Salmon Pasta – Creamy, Spicy & Irresistibly Elegant
Date Night Blackened Salmon Pasta is rich and flavorful.Salmon is coated in smoky blackened spices.It’s pan-seared for a crispy crust.Served over creamy garlic Parmesan pasta.Brightened with lemon and herbs.Perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over salmon fillets.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove and rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.Add heavy cream and simmer gently.Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well. Add reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Place pasta on plates. Top with blackened salmon.Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning for better crust.
- Use medium-high heat for proper blackening.
- Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Adjust cayenne for spice level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.
- Avoid boiling cream sauce vigorously.
- Rest salmon before serving.
- Serve immediately for best texture.