Zesty Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe for Dinner Magic

Seafood enthusiasts swoon over this blackened salmon and broccoli alfredo that combines rich, creamy textures with bold, spicy flavors.

The delicate salmon gets an irresistible crispy exterior from a robust spice blend that awakens every taste bud.

Creamy alfredo sauce envelops tender broccoli florets, creating a luxurious backdrop for the perfectly seasoned fish.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, peppery notes and smooth, velvety pasta.

This restaurant-quality dish elevates weeknight dining with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Fresh ingredients and smart techniques make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Blackened Salmon Alfredo: Why It Pops

• Tackle with Ease: This recipe combines simple cooking techniques like boiling pasta, air frying salmon, and creating a creamy sauce, making it approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Power-Packed Nutrition: Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, broccoli delivers essential vitamins, and the dish offers a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and satisfying carbohydrates.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious dinner without extensive preparation.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasoning levels to match personal preferences, making it a flexible recipe that can adapt to different taste buds and dietary needs.

Blackened Salmon Alfredo Ingredient List

• Salmon: Tender fish that gets a spicy kick from blackened seasoning and is air-fried to perfection.

• Pasta: Classic pasta that serves as the foundation for this creamy dish.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the pasta.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth of flavor to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and luxurious alfredo sauce.

• Blackened Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add bold and balanced flavor to the salmon and sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help with sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a smooth and silky sauce consistency.

Cooking Steps For Salmon Broccoli Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly al dente.

Toss the broccoli into the same pot during the final 3-4 minutes of cooking.

Carefully scoop out one cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

Set everything aside.

Step 2: Prepare Blackened Salmon Bites

Fire up the air fryer to 390°F.

• Olive oil
• Blackened seasoning

Air fry the salmon for 8-9 minutes, flipping midway through.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F for perfect doneness.

Step 3: Create Creamy Alfredo Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté onions until they turn soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese
• Reserved pasta water
• Blackened seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Dish

Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli into the creamy sauce.

Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is beautifully coated.

Adjust the sauce consistency using the reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Top the alfredo with the crispy blackened salmon bites.

Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Tips For Creamy Salmon Alfredo Perfection

• Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water to create a silky, perfectly balanced Alfredo sauce that clings beautifully to noodles.
• Coat salmon bites evenly with olive oil and blackened seasoning, ensuring each piece gets maximum flavor and crispy exterior in the air fryer.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust Alfredo sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too thick or thin.
• Use a meat thermometer to check salmon's internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 140-145°F for safe, moist, and perfectly cooked fish.
• Add broccoli during the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking to maintain vibrant color, crisp texture, and preserve nutritional value.

Salmon Alfredo – Delicious Variations To Try

• Gluten-Free Salmon Alfredo: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, and dairy-free cream cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute salmon with grilled tofu or chickpea-based protein cubes seasoned with blackened spice blend for a plant-based adaptation.

Ways To Serve Salmon Broccoli Alfredo

• Rustic Pasta Bowl Delight: Arrange the creamy alfredo pasta in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant broccoli and golden salmon bites.
• Family-Style Platter Magic: Spread the pasta on a big serving platter, artfully arranging salmon on top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a stunning centerpiece.
• Weeknight Dinner Upgrade: Pair the dish with a crisp white wine or refreshing sparkling water with lemon to elevate the meal's sophistication.
• Quick Meal Companion: Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add a fresh element to the plate.

Storage Pointers For Salmon Alfredo

• Store leftover salmon and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate salmon from sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Place pasta and salmon in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Gently reheat sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creamy consistency. Add salmon last to prevent overcooking.
• Freeze sauce and pasta separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat using microwave or stovetop method, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce texture.

FAQs

• What is blackened seasoning?

A blend of herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme that creates a dark, flavorful crust when heated, traditionally used in Cajun and Creole cooking.

• Can I use a different cooking method for salmon?

Yes, you can bake salmon in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or pan-sear it in a skillet with oil for 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches 140-145°F internal temperature.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the blackened seasoning blend. Some are mild, while others can be quite hot. You can control the heat by choosing a mild or hot seasoning or reducing the amount used.

Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling blackened salmon and broccoli alfredo brings coastal flavors to your dinner table with bold spices and creamy pasta. Rich proteins and garden-fresh greens combine in this simple yet sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound salmon (pat dry, skin off, cut into 1-inch bites)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded, plus extra for garnish
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)

Carbohydrates and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccini pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh broccoli (cut into small pieces)
• 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)

Seasonings and Fats:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• parsley (chopped for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and heat to medium-high, bringing to a rolling boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, incorporating broccoli during the final 3-4 minutes of cooking.
3. Drain pasta and broccoli, preserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
4. Prepare salmon by tossing with olive oil and blackened seasoning, ensuring even coating.
5. Heat air fryer to 390°F and cook salmon bites for 8-9 minutes, rotating midway, until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
6. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
7. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
8. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and whisk in parmesan, cream cheese, reserved pasta water, blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper.
9. Stir sauce until smooth and creamy, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
10. Fold pasta and broccoli into the alfredo sauce, ensuring thorough coating.
11. Arrange crispy salmon bites atop the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
12. Serve immediately while hot and thoroughly combined.

Notes

• Customize the blackened seasoning by adjusting spice levels to suit personal heat tolerance or dietary preferences.
• Ensure salmon is cooked precisely to maintain moisture and prevent dryness, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Lighten the alfredo sauce by using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 770 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg