Zesty Lemon Salmon with Cacio e Pepe Linguine
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with our Zesty Lemon Salmon paired with Cacio e Pepe Linguine. This dish elevates the classic Italian pasta staple, which features Parmesan, black pepper, and a touch of salt, by introducing vibrant ingredients like tender broccoli and juicy burst tomatoes. The savory notes of roasted salmon, infused with zesty lemon and garlic, come together to create a scrumptious meal that's as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
4
Servings
290
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salmon
24 oz (Pat dry and season with salt and pepper)
Linguine
12 oz (Cooked in boiling salted water)
Broccoli florets
12 oz (Blanched and chilled in ice water)
Parmesan cheese
0.5 oz (Grated)
Lemon
2 (Zested and halved)
Garlic
4 cloves (Mince or grate)
Chili flakes
2 tsp (To taste)
Grape tomatoes
8 oz (Whole)
Butter
4 tbsp (Melted in the skillet)
Olive oil
4 tsp (Drizzled for cooking)
Instructions
1
1. Prep the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Zest both lemons and then halve them; set one half aside for garnish. Mince or grate the garlic cloves.
2
2. Blanch the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and bright green. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot. To stop the cooking process, immediately place them in a bowl of ice water and set aside.
3
3. Cook the linguine: In the same boiling water, add the linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
4
4. Roast the tomatoes: Spread the grape tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they burst and release their juices.
5
5. Sear the salmon: While the tomatoes are roasting, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on all sides. Place the salmon in the pan skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
6
6. Create the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the linguine, cooked broccoli, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, burst tomatoes, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, ensuring everything is well-coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
7
7. Plate the dish: Serve the linguine on plates with a piece of salmon on top. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with lemon rounds, if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
13g
Carbs
28g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is salmon fillets, specifically 24 oz total.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 oz of linguine pasta.
How should I prepare the broccoli?
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then immediately place them in ice water to stop the cooking process.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the tomatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the grape tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 290 calories, 17.5g fat, 13g carbohydrates, 28g protein, 1.75g fiber, and 1g sugar.
How long should I roast the grape tomatoes?
Roast the grape tomatoes for 10-12 minutes until they burst and release their juices.
What is the best way to cook the salmon?
Pat the salmon dry, season it, and sear it in a skillet with olive oil skin-side down for 3-4 minutes per side.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
You should reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to help create the sauce.
What ingredients make up the Cacio e Pepe flavor profile here?
The flavor profile is achieved using Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic, and reserved pasta water.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
Mince or grate 4 cloves of garlic to be sautéed in butter.
What is the purpose of the ice water bowl?
The ice water is used to shock the blanched broccoli, which stops the cooking process and keeps it bright green and tender.
Can I use lemon zest in the sauce?
Yes, the zest of two lemons is stirred into the linguine and sauce during the final assembly.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a slight kick from 2 teaspoons of chili flakes, though this can be adjusted to taste.
How long does the linguine take to cook?
Cook the linguine for 8-10 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 0.5 oz of grated Parmesan cheese.
How is the final dish garnished?
Garnish with fresh lemon rounds and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
Does this recipe contain butter?
Yes, 4 tablespoons of butter are used to sauté the garlic and create the sauce base.
What tags describe this meal?
Tags include salmon, pasta, cacio e pepe, lemon, broccoli, healthy dinner, low carb, quick meal, italian, and seafood.
Should the salmon be cooked with the skin on?
The instructions specify placing the salmon skin-side down in the pan initially.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Fresh lemons are recommended because the recipe requires both the zest and the juice for optimal flavor.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed for this dish.
Is this a low-carbohydrate meal?
With 13g of carbohydrates per serving, it is relatively low-carb for a pasta-based dish.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it is opaque and cooked through, typically after 3-4 minutes of searing per side.
What is the total amount of salmon needed?
You will need 24 oz of salmon fillets for 4 servings.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 400°F, boil water, zest and halve the lemons, and mince the garlic.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 17.5g of fat per serving.
Can I substitute the linguine?
While linguine is specified, you could substitute it with other long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine if needed.
When do I add the chili flakes?
Add the chili flakes to the skillet with the melted butter and minced garlic.
Is the broccoli roasted with the tomatoes?
No, the broccoli is blanched in boiling water while the tomatoes are roasted in the oven.