Introduction
Oh, friends, do you ever have those nights where you’re craving something incredibly comforting, something that feels like a hug in a bowl, but you also have, like, zero energy for complicated cooking? I totally get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share this Salmon Boursin Pasta with you. It’s the kind of dish that sounds fancy but is secretly ridiculously easy to whip up. Seriously, it’s a weeknight superhero in my kitchen, and I think it’s going to be one in yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Success: This pasta comes together in a flash, perfect for those busy evenings.
- Effortlessly Delicious: Minimal effort, maximum flavor. It’s almost magical!
- Perfectly Giftable: Imagine making a big batch and portioning it out into containers for friends or family. They’ll think you’re a culinary genius!
- A Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: From picky eaters to gourmet lovers, everyone falls for the creamy, cheesy goodness of this pasta.
Ingredients
Gather ’round, cooks! Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- 14.5 ounces protein pasta (like rotini or penne): I love using protein pasta for an extra little boost, but any pasta you have on hand will work beautifully.
- 5 ounces Boursin cheese: This is the secret weapon! Boursin, especially the garlic and herb flavor, is like a magic wand for creamy sauces.
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed: Look for nice, fresh salmon. We’re going for flaky, tender goodness here.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes: These little guys burst with sweetness and add a lovely pop of color and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because what isn’t better with a little garlic?
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing our aromatics and searing that gorgeous salmon.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: A little subtle savory boost.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: For a hint of color and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance all those lovely flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch to add a little zing.
- 3 cups baby spinach: It wilts down so quickly and adds a welcome dose of green!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s as easy as 1-2-3 (okay, maybe 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11, but you get the idea!).
- Pasta Power: First things first, get that pasta cooking according to the package directions. While it’s bubbling away, you can start on the good stuff!
- Skillet Prep: Grab a nice big skillet and heat your tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Salmon Seasoning: Now, let’s get those salmon fillets ready. Sprinkle them all over with your onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give them a little pat to make sure the seasonings stick.
- Sear the Stars: Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and for them to be cooked through. Once they’re done, scoop them out of the skillet and set them aside for a moment.
- Garlic Goodness: Lower the heat a tiny bit if needed, and toss your minced garlic into the same skillet. Give it a quick sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Tomato Time: Now, add those cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get those lovely little bursts.
- Creamy Dreamy Sauce: Here comes the magic! Stir in that Boursin cheese. Keep stirring gently as it melts into a luscious, creamy sauce. Oh, the aroma!
- Spinach Surprise: Toss in your baby spinach. It only needs about 1-2 minutes to wilt down into the sauce.
- Pasta Party: Drain your cooked pasta and add it right into the skillet with that glorious sauce. Give it a good toss to make sure every single piece of pasta is coated in that creamy goodness.
- Salmon Reunion: Take those beautiful salmon fillets you set aside and gently flake them into bite-sized pieces right into the pasta. Give it another gentle toss to distribute the salmon evenly.
- Serve with Love: And there you have it! Serve this deliciousness immediately. It’s a showstopper!
Substitutions & Additions
Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you’re missing an ingredient? No worries, this recipe is super adaptable!
- Salmon Swap: If salmon isn’t your jam, cooked shrimp or even grilled chicken would be lovely additions. You could also go vegetarian and add some white beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Cheese Choices: While Boursin is king here, cream cheese mixed with a little garlic powder and herbs can be a decent stand-in in a pinch.
- Veggie Variety: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking veggies like peas, chopped bell peppers, or some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Herb Heaven: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill at the end would be absolutely delightful!
- A Little Heat: For those who like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Tips for Success
A few little pointers to make your Salmon Boursin Pasta absolutely perfect every time!
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on it! Salmon cooks quickly, and you want it moist and flaky, not dry.
- Prevent Sticking: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the salmon and that you’re using enough olive oil.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems a little too thick after adding the pasta, you can loosen it up with a splash of the pasta cooking water.
- Prep Ahead: You can mince your garlic and measure out your spices a day in advance to make the actual cooking process even faster.
How to Store It
Leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta is still delicious the next day. Store any leftover Salmon Boursin Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a tiny splash of milk or water if it seems a bit dry.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Boursin is our star, you could try other soft, flavored cheeses or even a good quality cream cheese mixed with herbs. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still be delicious!
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce and salmon separately. Store them in individual containers and combine and reheat when ready to eat for a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Can I make this dairy-free?
This would require some creative substitutions. You’d likely need to swap the Boursin for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and ensure your pasta is dairy-free. The salmon would remain the same!
My cherry tomatoes didn’t burst. What did I do wrong?
Don’t worry too much! They’ll still taste great. Sometimes it just takes a little longer, or they might need a gentle press with your spoon to encourage them to release their juices. Keep the heat at medium and be patient!
Easy Salmon Boursin Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for cooking pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 14.5 ounces protein pasta like rotini or penne
- 5 ounces Boursin cheese garlic and herb flavor recommended
- 4 fillets salmon skin removed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Season salmon fillets with onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Sear salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden-brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and starting to burst.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Stir in Boursin cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Add baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Drain cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Gently flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.14.5 ounces protein pasta
- Serve immediately.