Date Night Blackened Salmon Pasta Food

BLACKENED SALMON PASTA

Steps:

• Set salmon fillets on a plate with flesh-sides up; brush the tops with melted butter.
• Combine paprika, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, white pepper, basil, and thyme for seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over top of the salmon fillets, then lightly press the spices down onto the fish.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, place salmon, flesh-side down, into the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then carefully flip. Continue to cook until salmon flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 6 more minutes. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook linguine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, onion, and garlic; saute until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove vegetable mixture from the pan and add it to the bowl with the linguine.
• Drain the excess liquid from the saucepan. Add remaining 6 tablespoons butter to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Stir in half-and-half, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened.
• Pour sauce over the linguine and vegetable mixture. Add tomatoes and toss to combine.
• Serve pasta in bowls topped with blackened salmon, removing the skin, if desired. Garnish with parsley.

DATE NIGHT CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions.
• Sprinkle the chicken on one side with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, add the chicken, seasoned-side down, then sprinkle the other side with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
• With the empty chicken skillet over a medium heat, add the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon, until almost fully reduced, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and melt. Add the broccolini and saute until bright green, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus and saute for 1 minute more. Add the garlic and oregano and stir to combine. Add the cream and bring to a simmer, stirring. Stir in the grated Parmesan, lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Add the reserved pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat the pasta, adding the pasta water 1/4 cup at a time, if the sauce is too thick.
• Slice the chicken breasts thinly and place on top of the pasta, or serve them whole if you prefer. Garnish with the basil leaves and Parmesan shavings.

BLACKENED SALMON PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
• Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Coat lightly in 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil. Season with blackened seasoning.
• Heat remaining grapeseed oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until it starts to smoke. Be sure to turn on your oven vent. Put salmon in the skillet and cook until it flakes easily with a fork, 4 to 4 1/2 minutes on each side (turning only to flip to the other side). Set salmon aside and let cool while you mix up the pasta salad.
• Combine drained pasta, pineapple, cucumber, onion, olives, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, banana peppers, bell peppers, tomato, and thyme in a large bowl. Mix well. Mix in mayonnaise and salad dressing, adjusting to taste. Flake the salmon and gently fold into the pasta salad.