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Blackened Salmon Filets with Mafaldine in Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce: A Quick Dinner Delight

Gather ’round, kitchen queens! If you’re searching for a dinner recipe that’ll make you feel like a culinary superstar without slaving away for hours, look no further! Blackened Salmon Filets with Mafaldine in Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce is here to rescue your busy evenings. Packed with flavor and easy to whip up, this dish is everything you need to impress your family or have a cozy night in. Let’s dive into why this recipe is not just delicious but also totally doable!

Why You’ll Love This Blackened Salmon Recipe

Imagine this: you’re coming home after a long day, your heels are killing you, and the last thing you want to do is fuss over a complicated dinner. Enter Blackened Salmon Filets with Mafaldine in Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce—a dish that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table in no time. With the smoky goodness of blackened salmon and the creamy richness of a tomato basil sauce, this meal is sure to win hearts (and stomachs).

Are you ready to tackle this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!

The Amazing Ingredients

Before we jump into cooking, let’s gather what we’ll need. Don’t worry; you won’t find any rare ingredients here that require a map to locate!

Here’s what you need:

• 4 salmon filets
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (because who doesn’t love a little spice?)
• 12 ounces mafaldine pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups heavy cream (hello, lusciousness!)
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Steps That Feel Like a Breeze

1. Blacken That Salmon!
   Get your cast iron skillet (it’s time to shine!) and heat it on medium-high. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over both sides of your salmon filets. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear those beauties for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re perfectly blackened. The aroma? Heavenly! Set aside and let rest.

2. Get Those Noodles Cooking
   While your salmon is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mafaldine pasta (because nobody says no to those beautiful ridges) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In the same skillet that you just used for the salmon (one-pan magic!), add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the heavy cream, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste—your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

4. Combine It All
   Toss the cooked mafaldine into the creamy tomato basil sauce, making sure every pasta piece is coated in deliciousness. Gently place the blackened salmon on top of the pasta, and voilà! Dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Cooking Tips for Success

• Cajun Spice Levels: If you have little ones or anyone sensitive to spice, feel free to use a mild seasoning or reduce the amount of Cajun spice.
• Sauce Switch-Up: Crunched for time? Reserve some pasta water instead of heavy cream and add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a lighter alternative.
• Don’t Sweat the Sauce: If your sauce looks a little lumpy or not quite as creamy as you’d hoped, don’t worry! Stirring is like giving it a hug; it makes everything better.

Bringing It to the Table

This dish became our family favorite on those nights when time was short, and I needed something quick but satisfying. Can you remember those chaotic evenings when everyone is hungry and cranky? This recipe swoops in like a superhero! My kids absolutely adore this dish, and I love how it looks on the table—so colorful!

FAQs About This Recipe

• Can I substitute the salmon?
  Absolutely! Any firm fish, like tuna or swordfish, would work beautifully. If you prefer chicken, just adjust the cooking time.

• How can I store leftovers?
  If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to bring back the creaminess!

• Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, just be sure to warm it gently before adding the pasta and salmon.

If you felt inspired by this recipe, check out my blog for more delicious and quick recipes like Creamy Spinach Pasta and Zucchini Noodles with Pesto.

With the smoky, spicy flavor of blackened salmon paired with the luscious, creamy tomato basil sauce and delightful mafaldine, you’ve got a winner of a meal that’s ready to charm anyone who takes a bite!

So there you have it! The Blackened Salmon Filets with Mafaldine in Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce isn’t just a recipe; it’s a moment to reconnect with loved ones over food, laughter, and a little bit of chaos. Are you ready to whip this up and enjoy a fabulous dinner that feels luxurious yet comforting? Grab that apron—let’s get cooking!

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Blackened Salmon Filets with Mafaldine in Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce is the perfect recipe for busy nights. Quick, easy, and delicious—try it now!