Blackened Salmon Pasta

Blackened salmon fillets are served on top of a bed of creamy linguine and vegetables in this dinner recipe that makes full use of your spice cabinet.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 770 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 (8 ounce) package baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 6 (4 ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.75 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 tablespoons ground paprika

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Set salmon fillets on a plate with flesh-sides up; brush the tops with melted butter.

Step 2

Combine paprika, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, white pepper, basil, and thyme for seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over top of the salmon fillets, then lightly press the spices down onto the fish.

Step 3

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, place salmon, flesh-side down, into the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then carefully flip. Continue to cook until salmon flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 6 more minutes. Remove to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook linguine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

Step 5

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, onion, and garlic; saute until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove vegetable mixture from the pan and add it to the bowl with the linguine.

Step 6

Drain the excess liquid from the saucepan. Add remaining 6 tablespoons butter to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Stir in half-and-half, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened.

Step 7

Pour sauce over the linguine and vegetable mixture. Add tomatoes and toss to combine.

Step 8

Serve pasta in bowls topped with blackened salmon, removing the skin, if desired. Garnish with parsley.