If there’s one meal that effortlessly turns a weeknight dinner into an occasion, it has to be Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo. This dish is all about big, bold flavors: the smoky-crusted salmon, the dreamy, creamy Alfredo, and the vibrant pop of green from broccoli. Not only does it come together in about half an hour, but it brings together comfort-food coziness and restaurant-worthy flair all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress guests, you’ll soon see why this is a recipe that everyone asks for again and again.

Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the secrets behind Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo is starting with simple, fresh ingredients. Each one brings its own magic: the salmon provides richness, broccoli adds freshness and color, while the Alfredo sauce wraps everything in creamy perfection.

Salmon Fillets: Choose four fresh, boneless fillets (about 6 ounces each) for truly juicy results and rich flavor.
Blackened Seasoning: Two tablespoons of this spice blend give the salmon its signature smoky, spicy crust—use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons to help crisp up the salmon’s surface as it sears.
Broccoli Florets: Three cups of steamed broccoli bring fresh crunch and vivid color to balance the creaminess.
Butter (Unsalted): Two tablespoons add luxurious depth as the foundation of your Alfredo sauce.
Garlic (Minced): Three cloves for that irresistible, kitchen-filling aroma.
Heavy Cream: One and a half cups for a rich, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and broccoli.
Parmesan Cheese (Grated): One cup to melt into the sauce, lending nutty, savory notes.
Salt: Just half a teaspoon to perfectly season the sauce without overpowering.
Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon for that subtle warmth.
Fettuccine or Pasta of Choice (Cooked): Eight ounces—the classic base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.

How to Make Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo

Step 1: Season the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel for the best sear. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning on both sides, pressing gently to help the spices adhere. This layer of flavor is where the signature character of Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo begins, so don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, lay the seasoned salmon fillets in the pan. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the outside develops a bold, deeply colored crust and the inside flakes gently with a fork. Once cooked, move the salmon to a plate and let it rest while you whip up the Alfredo.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet (hello, bonus flavor from the salmon bits!), melt the unsalted butter over medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until wonderfully fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mix to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper, letting everything thicken into a luscious sauce—just a few minutes is all it needs.

Step 4: Toss in Broccoli and Pasta

Add the steamed broccoli and cooked pasta right into your pan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss until each piece is coated in creamy deliciousness, and the broccoli shines through with pops of green. The sauce will thicken beautifully, clinging to every forkful.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Twirl the broccoli Alfredo pasta onto each plate, then gently top with a perfectly blackened salmon fillet. Pour over any extra sauce from the pan and get ready for the well-earned applause—Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo is ready to make your dinner feel special!

How to Serve Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan goes a long way here, adding brightness and a hint of saltiness that plays beautifully with the creamy sauce. A fresh crack of black pepper just before serving makes each plate look truly inviting.

Side Dishes

Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo is hearty enough to shine on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad, a slice of warm crusty bread, or even roasted cherry tomatoes for a juicy-sweet side. The creamy pasta sauce loves soaking up anything on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-style touch, serve Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo in shallow bowls, nestling the fillet gently onto a swirl of pasta. If you’re hosting, try slicing the salmon and arranging it over the pasta for easy sharing. For a weeknight win, just serve up family-style and let everyone help themselves to seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon and pasta separate if possible—this helps the salmon retain its beautiful crust and keeps the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.

Freezing

While the creamy Alfredo sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if you like. Place the cooled pasta and salmon in freezer-safe containers and enjoy within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, knowing the texture of the sauce might be slightly less silky but still totally delicious.

Reheating

Gently reheat Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life, and warm the salmon separately to keep its texture. Avoid high heat, which can overcook both the fish and the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures you’ll get that gorgeous crust characteristic of Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo.

What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?

You can easily make your own with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Adjust the heat to your liking and enjoy a custom twist!

How do I steam broccoli without a steamer?

No worries! Just place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover loosely, and microwave for 2-3 minutes. The quick steam keeps it vibrantly green and tender for your Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes—you can substitute the butter and cream for plant-based versions and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. While the texture and taste will be slightly different, you’ll still get a creamy and satisfying result.

What kind of pasta works best with Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo?

Fettuccine is a classic choice, but any long or short pasta will work. Choose gluten-free pasta if needed to keep the dish diet-friendly for everyone at your table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that still feels fresh and special, give Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo a try. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your table will be happy, and this dish just might become your new go-to dinner favorite for every occasion!

Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a flavorful and creamy dish with this Blackened Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo recipe. Perfectly seasoned salmon fillets are paired with a rich Alfredo sauce tossed with steamed broccoli and pasta, creating a satisfying meal that is both delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces cooked fettuccine or pasta of choice

Additional:

3 cups broccoli florets, steamed

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Instructions

Season the Salmon: Evenly coat salmon fillets with blackened seasoning.
Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Ingredients: Add steamed broccoli and cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Serve: Place the blackened salmon atop the broccoli Alfredo pasta and enjoy!