#Recipe ✨ #Salmon #Alfredo
🔥Moroccan Salmon Penne Alfredo with Charred Broccoli Florets
A fusion of creamy comfort and North African spice — this dish brings together the richness of Alfredo pasta with the bold, aromatic kick of Moroccan-style salmon. Charred broccoli florets add that perfect smoky contrast and crunch.
📝Ingredients
For the Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
🥣 Alfredo Penne:
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup grated Romano or Pecorino cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of nutmeg for warmth
🥦Charred Broccoli:
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon
📝Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season and Sear the Salmon:
In a small bowl, mix paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil and coat with the spice blend.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Squeeze lemon juice on top and set aside.
3. Char the Broccoli:
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast on a sheet pan under the broiler or in a hot skillet until slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Pour in the cream, stir, and let simmer 3–4 minutes. Add Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
If too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Combine:
Toss cooked penne in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve:
Plate the pasta, top with Moroccan salmon fillets, and garnish with charred broccoli florets.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a gentle heat.
👩🏽🍳Chef’s Touch
✨️For a deeper Moroccan flavor, stir a teaspoon of harissa paste into the Alfredo sauce — it adds a smoky, spicy depth that perfectly complements the salmon and creamy pasta.
If you're looking to elevate your pasta dinners, this Moroccan Salmon Penne Alfredo recipe is a fantastic way to blend creamy Italian comfort with the vibrant spices of North African cuisine. The magic lies in the spice blend of paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric that coats the salmon, imparting a complex and warm flavor profile. These spices not only add flavor but also bring antioxidant benefits, making the dish both tasty and nourishing. Charred broccoli florets add more than just a visual appeal—they introduce a smoky crunch and a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. This combination of textures keeps every bite interesting. To replicate the char, you can use a broiler or a hot skillet, ensuring the broccoli gets that enticing dark edge without losing its crispness. For those new to making Alfredo sauce, the key is to cook the garlic just until fragrant before adding the cream, which prevents the sauce from tasting raw or bitter. Incorporating both Parmesan and Romano (or Pecorino) cheese offers a deeper, layered cheese flavor. The pinch of nutmeg is a classic addition, subtly enhancing the sauce without overpowering it. And when the sauce thickens too much, reserving pasta water is a simple, effective way to loosen it up while preserving flavor. A handy tip: adding a teaspoon of harissa paste to the Alfredo sauce introduces a smoky, spicy depth that ties the Moroccan salmon and creamy pasta together, perfect for fans of a little heat. This step can elevate the dish to restaurant-quality flavors, making it an impressive meal for family dinners or casual entertaining. Pair this dish with a crisp, green salad or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creaminess and spice. Leftovers reheat well, though the pasta might thicken; a splash of milk or water can refresh the sauce. Overall, this recipe invites you to explore bold, harmonious flavors while enjoying the comforting texture of classic penne Alfredo—ideal for food lovers eager to experiment with international spices in familiar dishes.