If you’re craving a dish that tastes like sunshine on a plate, let me introduce you to this Citrus-Scented Pappardelle with Slow-Roasted Salmon Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender, wide ribbons of pasta perfectly coated in a lively citrus sauce paired with flaky, melt-in-your-mouth salmon roasted slowly to preserve every ounce of flavor. Bright notes of lemon and orange zest bring freshness and a subtle zing, while juicy cherry tomatoes add bursts of color and sweetness. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between light and indulgent, perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color, making the dish come to life with every bite.
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta: The wide, ribbon-like noodles catch the aromatic citrus sauce beautifully.
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): The hero protein, slow-roasted to juicy perfection.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances richness and helps in roasting and sauce melding.
- 1 lemon (zest and juice): Adds zing and brightness that cuts through the richness of salmon.
- 1 orange (zest and juice): Brings a sweeter, floral citrus flavor for depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory warmth and aromatic complexity.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced: Herbal notes that complement the salmon’s flavor elegantly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet bursts of tangy freshness and color contrast.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herbaceous finish that lifts the entire dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish if you want to dress it up more.
How to Make Citrus-Scented Pappardelle with Slow-Roasted Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, place your salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, thyme, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. This layering of citrus and herbs will infuse the salmon with a fragrant, fresh flavor as it roasts.
Step 2: Add Cherry Tomatoes
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon fillets on your baking tray. These will roast alongside the salmon, softening and caramelizing slightly, ready to add juicy pops of sweetness to your dish.
Step 3: Roast the Salmon and Tomatoes
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and let the salmon roast for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork yet remains moist and tender. The tomatoes will be bursting with juices and lightly roasted, complementing your salmon perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Pappardelle
While your salmon and tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water – this liquid gold helps marry the sauce and pasta beautifully later.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Citrus Sauce
In a large skillet, add the reserved pasta water, orange juice, orange zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in your cooked pappardelle, gently mixing until every strand is coated with that vibrant, citrusy goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Stir in fresh parsley and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Toss everything together again to infuse your pasta with herbaceous freshness, bringing the dish to the perfect balance.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Once roasted, carefully place a fillet of salmon on top of a nest of your citrus-kissed pappardelle on each plate. Spoon some of those roasted tomatoes over the top for a lovely burst of color and flavor. If you like, grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the dish right before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Serve Citrus-Scented Pappardelle with Slow-Roasted Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this flavorful dish, sprinkle some additional fresh parsley or a few thin curls of lemon zest on top just before serving. Fresh herbs add brightness and color, while citrus zest will boost the aroma and flavor, making your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, lightly dressed greens like arugula or a simple fennel and orange salad to echo the citrus theme. A crusty baguette also works wonders to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving the pasta family-style in a vibrant, wide bowl while placing the salmon fillets on a separate platter alongside. Drizzle finishing olive oil or a touch of chili oil over the salmon to play with visual appeal and add a hint of warmth. Each element should invite your guests to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salmon and pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture. The pasta will soak up sauce if combined too soon, and the salmon stays more tender on its own.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked salmon wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Cooked pappardelle is usually not ideal for freezing as the texture can change, but you can freeze the citrus sauce base separately if desired.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying it out. For pasta, toss it in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil over medium heat until warmed through, stirring often to revive its texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pappardelle is wonderful for capturing the citrus sauce, linguine or fettuccine would also work well. Just keep in mind that the wider noodles provide more surface area for the flavors to cling to.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme can substitute, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh rosemary or dill adds a lovely twist that pairs nicely with salmon and citrus.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pappardelle for your favorite gluten-free wide pasta and ensure any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free. The flavors remain just as vibrant and delicious.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily when tested with a fork but still feel moist and tender. Overcooking will dry it out, so aim for just opaque and gently flaky for the best experience.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Parmesan is optional but highly recommended. Its nutty, salty character complements the citrus and salmon beautifully, taking the dish to the next level. If you prefer, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs also adds a lovely texture.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Citrus-Scented Pappardelle with Slow-Roasted Salmon Recipe enough. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet comes together with ease, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests without fuss. The bright, fresh citrus flavors paired with tender, slow-roasted salmon and perfectly cooked pappardelle create harmony in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight or special occasion meal!
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Citrus-Scented Pappardelle with Slow-Roasted Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delightful Citrus-Scented Pappardelle with Slow-Roasted Salmon is a vibrant and elegant dish combining tender, flaky salmon infused with lemon and thyme, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, and wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta tossed in a refreshing orange zest and juice sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan, this recipe offers a fresh and flavorful meal ideal for a special dinner or weekend treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 orange (zest and juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the salmon and tomatoes.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice to infuse a citrusy, herbaceous flavor.
- Add Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon on the same baking tray to roast alongside the fish, which will concentrate their sweetness.
- Roast the Salmon and Tomatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and tomatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Cook the Pappardelle: While the salmon is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions, generally 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Make the Citrus Sauce and Combine: In a large skillet, combine the reserved pasta water, orange juice, orange zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add the cooked pappardelle and toss gently to coat the pasta with the bright citrus sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Season: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tossing again to evenly distribute flavors throughout the pasta.
- Plate the Dish: Once the salmon is done roasting, place a fillet atop a bed of the citrus-scented pappardelle on each serving plate. Spoon some roasted cherry tomatoes over the top to add color, moisture, and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each plate. Serve immediately to enjoy the harmonious combination of citrus, herbs, and tender salmon.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps emulsify the sauce and keeps pasta moist.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be substituted but use slightly less due to its stronger flavor.
- For enhanced citrus aroma, consider adding a small amount of orange or lemon zest to the pasta water while cooking the pasta.
- This recipe pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
