Blackened Salmon Rasta Pasta is a bold and creamy Caribbean-inspired dish featuring perfectly seasoned blackened salmon over rich, cheesy pasta with peppers and aromatic spices. The fusion of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors makes this an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
🐟 2 salmon fillets, skin-on
🧂 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
🌶️ 1 tsp smoked paprika
🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
🧂 ½ tsp salt
🫒 2 tbsp olive oil
🧈 2 tbsp butter
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🌶️ ½ red bell pepper, sliced
🌶️ ½ green bell pepper, sliced
🌶️ ½ yellow bell pepper, sliced
🧅 ½ small onion, sliced
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🧀 ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
🧀 ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
🌿 1 tsp dried thyme
🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
🌶️ ½ tsp red pepper flakes
🍋 ½ lemon, juiced
🍝 8 oz penne pasta, cooked
🌿 Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
1- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Coat both sides with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
2- Sear the Salmon:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until blackened and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
3- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic.
- Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking until softened.
4- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Add thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
5- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce.
- Toss well to coat in the creamy mixture.
6- Assemble the Dish:
- Plate the pasta and place the blackened salmon on top.
- Garnish with fresh thyme.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Equipment: Skillet, tongs, knife, cutting board, grater, pot for boiling pasta
Cooking Tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best blackened crust on the salmon.
- Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.