Multi-Tasking
You will notice that the total cook time for this recipe is 25 minutes. The way to make that happen is to do multiple things at once. Start the pasta water, start the salmon and start the sauce one right after each other. They each take about 15 minutes, so they will all be done about the same time. Adding salmon to my Fettuccine Alfredo recipe was an easy decision. The flavors and textures go together perfectly. Additionally, salmon cooks very quickly in the oven, making it an ideal protein to add to this pasta dish.
Parmesan for Salmon Alfredo
By now you are familiar with my shred your own cheese soap box. Well, I’m going to climb back on it. Shredding your own cheese is the best way to ensure that it will melt well in your recipe. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in preservatives that impede its ability to melt. Since Parmesan is a primary flavor here, invest in a block of Parmesan cheese and shred it for this recipe. Salmon is done when it reaches 125 degrees. If you don’t have an instant read thermometer, you can tell salmon is done by it’s texture. When you push down very gently with a fork, it should flake apart easily. It will still be translucent when you pull it apart with the tip of the fork in the middle. If you want to read a more in depth post about cooking and purchasing salmon, my Baked Salmon in Foil is a great resource. That recipe would also be perfect for making leftovers to use in this dish.
Use enough water. For only half a pound of fettuccine you will need about 3 to 4 quarts of water.Bring the water to a roaring boil. Resist the urge to add your pasta when you see just a few bubbles. Wait until the water is really going to add it. This will ensure the water is at the right temperature.Salt the water. I always add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to a pound of boiling pasta. You may want to add just 1/2 a teaspoon here, but I always just eye ball it.Set a timer. Note the time the box of pasta mentions to cook the pasta for and set a timer. When the timer goes off, taste the pasta and if it is al dente, drain it.
My Caesar Salad would compliment the flavors here really well. It’s also very easy to make.This Mediterranean Salad is a light and delicious way to get some vegetables with this meal.And I truly love this Kale Salad. Its easy to make but big on flavor!
If you make this Salmon Alfredo recipe or any of my other recipes leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
