Creamy Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche: A Simple, Elegant Recipe

This recipe for creamy salmon pasta with crème fraîche is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that's impressive enough for guests. It combines the richness of crème fraîche with the delicate flavor of salmon for a truly satisfying dish. This post will guide you through each step, optimizing for search engines while remaining engaging and informative.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 2-3 people. Adjust quantities as needed.

• 1 lb Salmon Fillet: Choose a high-quality fillet for the best flavor. Skin on or skinless works well.
• 8 oz Pasta: Linguine, fettuccine, or tagliatelle are excellent choices. Consider whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
• 4 tbsp Crème Fraîche: This gives the sauce its signature creamy texture.
• 2 tbsp Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better flavor control.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
• 1/4 cup Dry White Wine (optional): Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup Fresh Dill: Chopped dill provides a bright, herbaceous note.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the Salmon:

While the pasta cooks, cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Cook the Salmon:

Add the salmon pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

5. Create the Sauce:

If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Stir in the crème fraîche and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it thicken slightly.

6. Combine and Serve:

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the cooked salmon, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Serve immediately and garnish with extra dill, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: Sauté some spinach, asparagus, or peas with the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Use different herbs: Parsley, chives, or tarragon can be used instead of dill.
• Make it richer: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the sauce.
• Creamy Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche for One: Simply halve the recipe for a quick and satisfying single serving.

SEO Optimization Considerations:

This recipe post incorporates relevant keywords like "salmon pasta," "crème fraîche," "creamy pasta," "easy recipe," and variations thereof throughout the text naturally. The headings (H2, H3) further structure the content for search engines and readers alike. The inclusion of variations and tips expands the reach of the post, catering to different preferences and search queries. Remember to promote this post across social media channels and potentially link it to other relevant recipe pages on your website for improved off-page SEO.

Enjoy your delicious and effortlessly elegant creamy salmon pasta with crème fraîche!