Hey there! If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty yet fresh, comforting but packed with nutrients, then this Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts is calling your name. Imagine tender, flaky salmon mingling with crisp-tender Brussels sprouts, all tossed in a luscious, garlicky sauce hugging perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually super simple to make. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress friends without breaking a sweat, this recipe hits all the right notes—flavorful, satisfying, and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
Nutritious & Balanced: Combines omega-rich salmon, fiber-packed Brussels sprouts, and comforting pasta for a well-rounded meal.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect when you want a delicious dinner fast.
Flavorful: Garlic, lemon, and a touch of chili give it a bright, savory kick.
Elegant but Simple: Looks like a gourmet dish but is totally doable even for beginner cooks.
Customizable: Swap pasta types or add your favorite herbs to tailor it your way.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
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Ingredients in Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
Salmon Fillets
Rich, flaky salmon that brings the dish together with its tender texture and heart-healthy fats.
Brussels Sprouts
Sliced thin and sautéed to crispy perfection, adding a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
Pasta
Your choice—penne, linguine, or spaghetti all work great to soak up the sauce.
Garlic and Lemon
Bright, zesty flavors that complement the salmon beautifully.
Olive Oil and Chili Flakes
For a silky base and just a hint of heat.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Adds a nutty, savory finish that melts into the pasta perfectly.
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
Slice Brussels sprouts thinly and mince garlic. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
Cook the Salmon
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon skin-side down until crispy, then flip and cook until just done. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Brussels Sprouts
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in Brussels sprouts. Cook until golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Pasta
While veggies cook, boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
Combine & Flavor
Add garlic to the Brussels sprouts, cooking until fragrant. Return salmon to the pan, breaking it into chunks. Toss in pasta, lemon zest, chili flakes, and a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.
Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with Parmesan if using and give everything a gentle toss. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
- Lemon Wedges: Add a fresh squeeze on top for extra brightness.
- Light White Wine: Pairs beautifully for a casual dinner or special occasion.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook the salmon: It should flake easily but remain moist.
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts: They’ll taste sweeter and crispier than frozen.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s gold for loosening up the sauce without thinning flavor.
- Add herbs: Fresh parsley or dill add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
A1: Yes, just thaw completely before cooking for best texture.
Q2: What if I don’t have Brussels sprouts?
A2: Swap in broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a similar crunch.
Q3: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A3: Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well.
Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A4: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A5: You can prep veggies and cook salmon ahead but combine just before serving.
Q6: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A6: Yes, just reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder taste.
Q7: Can I add cream or butter to make it richer?
A7: Sure! A splash of cream or a pat of butter adds extra indulgence.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes! Just use a larger pan and adjust cooking times slightly.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the salmon?
A10: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil over low heat.
Conclusion
This Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts is a delicious, balanced meal that feels both special and simple. It’s perfect when you want to enjoy something healthy and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your skillet and pasta pot — dinner is about to get seriously tasty!
Print
Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and hearty Salmon Pasta with Brussels Sprouts combines tender salmon, sautéed Brussels sprouts, and pasta tossed in a light garlic and lemon sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Cook salmon for about 4 minutes per side, until cooked through and easily flaked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add Brussels sprouts and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute salmon with other firm fish if preferred.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Brussels sprouts can be roasted separately for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg