Make Irresistible Can Salmon Pasta in Just 20 Minutes

Canned salmon is an amazing ingredient that doesn’t get enough love. It’s affordable, nutritious, and versatile, making it perfect for busy home cooks If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy canned salmon, you need to try can salmon pasta! This simple 20-minute pasta recipe transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal the whole family will love

Why Canned Salmon is a Pantry Hero

Canned salmon often gets overlooked, but it offers a lot of advantages First, it’s inexpensive, especially when compared to fresh salmon A can costs just a few dollars but provides multiple servings of tasty fish. Canned salmon is also shelf-stable, so you can stock up when it’s on sale without worrying about it spoiling.

Nutritionally, canned salmon is a rock star. It has a lot of protein, good omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals and vitamins that your body needs, like selenium, potassium, Canned salmon has bones included, which provide calcium. It costs a lot less than fresh salmon and has many of the same health benefits.

Finally canned salmon is extremely versatile. You can make anything from salmon patties to salmon salad sandwiches. But one of the easiest and tastiest ways to use it is in pasta. The flavored oil and small bits of salmon combine perfectly with the noodles.

How to Choose the Best Canned Salmon for Pasta

While any canned salmon works in pasta, sockeye and pink salmon are ideal choices. Sockeye has deep red flesh and a robust flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients. Pink salmon is lighter in color but has great flavor too.

Try to get salmon canned in water, not oil. The water-packed fish tastes fresher and lets the salmon flavor shine. Opt for boneless, skinless salmon to make prep easier. If you have canned salmon with bones, don’t worry—the soft bones will just melt into the sauce and be safe to eat.

No matter what type of canned salmon you use, make sure to give it a rough flake with a fork before adding it to the pasta. This helps distribute the fish evenly throughout the dish.

Building Flavor with Simple Ingredients

One of the best things about can salmon pasta is that it comes together with simple supermarket ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here are some key ingredients to build big flavor:

• Garlic – A must for any pasta dish, garlic provides a aromatic base. Use 2-3 cloves minced or pressed.

• Lemon – Brightens the flavor of the salmon and balances the richness. Zest the lemon before juicing to get double citrus flavor.

• Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous note. Dried parsley works too.

• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat and extra flavor boost.

• Pasta cooking water – Ladle in a bit of starchy water from the pasta pot to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

• Olive oil or butter – Saute the ingredients and coat the pasta.

With a handful of standard pantry items, you can make gourmet-tasting salmon pasta any night of the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This salmon pasta comes together in just 20 minutes. Here’s a quick step-by-step overview:

1. Cook pasta: Boil water and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Reserve a bit of cooking water.

2. Saute aromatics: In a skillet, cook garlic in olive oil until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

3. Add salmon and flavorings: Stir in canned salmon, lemon juice and zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat through.

4. Toss with pasta: Drain pasta and add to skillet along with a splash of cooking water. Toss to coat.

5. Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan if desired.

With just 20 minutes of hands-on time, you can prepare a restaurant-caliber salmon pasta dinner. The method is easy but the flavors are complex.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

Once you master the basic technique, feel free to customize your can salmon pasta by adding extra ingredients. Here are some delicious mix-ins to try:

• Diced tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
• Spinach or kale
• Diced zucchini or yellow squash
• Sliced mushrooms
• Artichoke hearts
• Chopped kalamata olives
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Fresh dill or basil
• Capers
• Pesto
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Caramelized onions
• Roasted red peppers

The possibilities are endless! Use whatever veggies are in season or leftovers you have on hand. Salmon pasta is a great way to use up produce and pantry items.

Serving Suggestions

Salmon pasta makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Here are some tips for making it a complete meal:

• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the tasty sauce.

• Pair it with a green salad topped with a simple vinaigrette.

• Round out the plate with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.

• Enjoy it with a glass of crisp white wine or rose.

With a few components, canned salmon pasta becomes a satisfying one-pot meal. Leftovers make excellent packable lunches too!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Like any seafood dish, salmon pasta is best enjoyed fresh. But you can keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or milk to loosen it up. Don’t freeze pasta with fish, as the texture tends to suffer.

More Ways to Use Canned Salmon

Once you see how delicious canned salmon can be in pasta, you’ll want to start incorporating it into other meals. Here are a few easy canned salmon recipe ideas:

• Salmon salad sandwiches – Mix canned salmon with mayo, lemon, celery, and herbs for a classic sandwich filling.

• Salmon cakes – Make flavorful salmon patties by combining canned fish with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Pan-fry until crisp.

• Salmon fried rice – For an easy weeknight rice bowl, stir canned salmon into fried rice with veggies.

• Salmon tacos – Flake canned salmon and mix with salsa, chili powder, lime, and cilantro for amazing fish tacos.

• Salmon Niçoise – Arrange canned salmon over mixed greens, green beans, potatoes, and hard boiled eggs for this composed salad.

• Salmon scramble – Add canned salmon to scrambled eggs along with veggies like spinach and tomatoes.

The possibilities are endless with canned salmon! It’s budget-friendly, convenient for busy cooks, and full of nutrition. For an easy, impressive weeknight dinner, try making can salmon pasta in just 20 minutes. This simple seafood dish will become a regular in your dinner rotation.