SALMON ROTINI PASTA

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta

Sauce:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 shallot, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, chopped

• 1 Fresno chili, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 Tbsp butter

• 1 lemon, juice and zest

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup pasta water

• Parmesan cheese to taste
  

  Salmon:

• 1 pound salmon

• 1-2 Tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika 

• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Cook rotini pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ⅓ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a pan over medium high, add olive oil, then add shallot, cook for about 1 minute. Then, add jalapeno and Fresno and cook for another 1 minute. Next add garlic, salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute more. Lastly, add butter, zest, juice, cream, pasta water and parmesan cheese. Stir and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.

Step 3

In a separate pan cook salmon by melting butter on medium high heat. Sear the salmon, without moving, skin side down for about 4 minutes. Carefully flip the fish and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking for 4 minutes more. Tilt the pan to pool the melted butter and sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika and chili powder and base the salmon by spooning seasoned butter on top of the fish for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 4

To serve, place cooked pasta on a serving dish, top with fish and garnish with parsley