Simple Seared Salmon and Naked Pasta

Oftentimes, simple is best. This meal is just that. Simple seared salmon and naked pasta starts with a salmon filet seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper–if you like a little kick–then seared to perfection. I used my trusty cast iron skillet to achieve salmon with a crisp exterior and tender, flaky interior that pairs perfectly with the pasta.

I discovered naked pasta during grad school and fell in love with the simplicity. Despite the absence of sauce, it isn’t lacking flavor. at. all. You can do a lot with naked pasta (think herbs, oils, and veggies) but I went with sautéed garlic and a bit of butter to set this particular batch off.

At under 30 minutes to make, this simple seared salmon and naked pasta is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners. The recipe is for one but you can easily double this for date night or increase the proportions by even more to serve a whole family or group. Add a bottle of wine and you have a solid, restaurant-quality dinner for one, two, or more in just a short amount of time. I personally enjoy pairing this simple seared salmon and naked pasta with Kim Crawford Pinot Gris. You can find my other favorite budget-friendly wine picks here. I love this meal because it comes together in a pinch and you can exercise creativity with the spices. Might I suggest smoked paprika?

I’m currently working on a roundup of yummy V-day dinner ideas (wine suggestions included!) and this simple seared salmon and naked pasta definitely makes the cut. Let me know in the comments below if you’d like to see more meals like this one. In the meantime, check out my parmesan-crusted tilapia or easy spaghetti carbonara. 🙂 Thanks for reading!

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Simple Seared Salmon and Naked Pasta

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

25 mins

 

A seared salmon filet served with angel hair pasta tossed in sautéed garlic and salted butter

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: angel hair pasta recipe, dinner for one, easy salmon dinner, seared salmon filet

Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

Salmon

• 1 6-ounce salmon filet
• olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• sea salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• dried parsley
• 1 lemon wedge

Naked Pasta

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta cooked
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Coat the bottom of a skillet and heat over medium flame. Allow oil to heat and thin for a few minutes. Meanwhile pat salmon filet to dry then season with sea salt and black pepper.
2. Place filet skin side down in hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes or until skin easily releases from pan. Flip and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cooked through. Sprinkle crushed red pepper over top of filet.
3. Remove salmon from pan and add garlic cloves. Sauté for a few minutes or until fragrant.
4. Toss pasta, sauteed garlic, and butter in a large bowl until pasta is evenly coated.
5. Garnish salmon filet with a squeeze of lemon juice and parsley before serving.