Recipes

Fusilli Salmon

Creamy pasta topped with seared salmon and fresh parsley, displayed on a wooden kitchen counter with a lemon and olive oil bottle nearby.

I first tasted a pretty good salmon pasta in a restaurant. It was a great idea with mediocre execution, so I went home determined to make this dish sparkle. This is a great little salmon dish that is open to interpretation. It has become a family favorite.

Serves 4-6

  • 1 to 1 ½ lbs fresh salmon fillets
  • 1 lb fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2- 4 large cloves of garlic
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • handful of fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Zester
  • Large
  • Plate
  • 2 small bowls
  • Pot to boil pasta
  • Colander
  • Frying pan
  • Large serving dish

  • Clean, oil and preheat grill.
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil.
  • Zest lemon into a small dish and set aside.
  • Cut the zested lemon in half and set aside for squeezing later.
  • Chop parsley and set aside in another small bowl.
  • Add a pinch of salt to water when it has begun to boil.
  • Sweat chopped onions in a little touch of olive oil in frying pan over medium low heat. Stir occasionally.
  • Turn heat up and add more olive oil. Sautee crushed garlic with onions.
  • Add pasta to boiling water. Cook to taste (about 10-12 minutes.) I like it a little chewy (al dente.)
  • Meanwhile, cook the salmon skin side down (if there is skin) over a high heat. The salmon should take about 8 – 10 minutes to cook depending on thickness. Turn and sear the top of the fish. I like my salmon seared on the outsides and lightly cooked in the middle.
  • When done remove salmon to plate and let cool.
  • Taste pasta to see if it is done. When ready drain pasta in colander.
  • Add pasta to serving bowl.
  • Break up cooked salmon into bite sized pieces and pour over salmon. Squeeze lemons over pasta. Sprinkle a few dashes of olive oil. Add chopped parsley, zest, salt and pepper and toss.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve while still hot and enjoy.

Timing is the key. Make sure the water is boiling before putting the fish on the grill.
I prefer Rustichella d’abruzzo pasta. It’s the only pasta that I’ve found that actually absorbs the delectable flavors of the sauce.


fish pasta salmon

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