Creamy Salmon Penne with Garlic Lemon Sauce 🍝🐟🍋

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta 🍝

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Salmon 🐟

1. Season the salmon fillet with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Remove from heat, flake the salmon into bite-sized chunks, and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Sauce 🧄🍋

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add cream cheese cubes and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Add Flavor & Combine 🍋🍤

1. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing well.
2. Add the cooked penne pasta and flaked salmon to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

5️⃣ Serve 🍽️

• Plate the creamy salmon penne and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Serve hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing citrus burst!
  

  🌟 Tips & Variations