A Fast, Filling, and Tasty Meal

Cajun Salmon Pasta

Looking for a quick weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? This air fryer salmon, broccoli, and pasta dish checks all the boxes. Mild Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of kick, while the air fryer ensures your salmon bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Combined with perfectly sauteed broccoli and your favorite pasta, this dish is not only delicious but also brimming with health benefits.

 

Salmon and Broccoli – a Power Pair

 

Salmon is a superstar of lean protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health, heart health, and reduce inflammation. It’s also loaded with vitamins D and B12, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Broccoli, on the other hand, is a cruciferous vegetable that brings a hefty dose of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants to the table. Its benefits include boosting immunity, supporting bone health, and promoting good digestion. Together, salmon and broccoli create a nutrient-packed combo that’s both tasty and good for you.

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To serve, spoon those tender meatballs and their sauce over a bed of cilantro lime rice, then top it all with a spattering of cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkling of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. The result? Comforting, bold, and deliciously unique.

Whether you’re cooking from your moose meat stash or just want to try something new with your ground protein of choice, this recipe brings a little Alaskan spirit to your dinner table—with a spicy kick.

Ingredients
  • 1 salmon fillet (skin removed)
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 8 oz of your favorite pasta (such as bucatini or linguine)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 4-6 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan, finely grated
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper, to taste
 
Instructions
  1. Prepare the Salmon: Start by removing the skin from your salmon fillet. Place the fillet skin-side down on a cutting board. Hold the tail end of the fillet firmly and slide a sharp knife between the skin and the flesh at a slight angle. Use a gentle sawing motion to separate the skin from the meat. Once the skin is removed, cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Season the Salmon: Toss the salmon bites with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Prep the Broccoli: Cut broccoli into small florets, sauté them in 1 tbsp olive oil, until slightly charred, add a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Start your water boiling and prepare your pasta according to package instructions.
  5. Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7 minutes at 415F. *Every Air Fryer is different, you may want to adjust temp and time according to you own Air Fryer.
  6. Prepare the sauce: While pasta is boiling and salmon is air frying, prepare your sauce. In a large sauté pan on medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for approximately 1 min. Add flour and whisk for another minute. Slowly add chicken broth, whisking as you go. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and lump free. Add cream. Add parmesan and Cajun seasoning. Keep whisking to ensure a smooth sauce.
  7. Bring it all together: When pasta is done, add directly to sauce and mix thoroughly. Add broccoli and salmon bites. Finish with a lemon juice. Taste and season, as needed.

Tips for Success


 

  • Removing Salmon Skin: If you’re new to handling salmon, ask your fishmonger to remove the skin for you. Alternatively, buy pre-skinned fillets to save time.
  • Cajun Seasoning Adjustments: For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, cut back on the seasoning and add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to keep this dish friendly for those with dietary restrictions.

 

This air fryer salmon, broccoli, and pasta dish is the perfect trifecta of flavor, convenience, and health. It’s a meal you can feel good about serving—and eating—any day of the week.

 

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