Festive Seafood Spaghetti Recipe: Delicious Salmon Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of the season with a dish that will have your taste buds dancing – Holiday Seafood Spaghetti Salmon! This festive recipe combines tender pasta with rich salmon meatballs, succulent shrimp, and a creamy white sauce that’s simply irresistible. The hint of smoked paprika, savory cheese, and bursts of roasted red pepper and sundried tomato create a symphony of flavors that will make this dish a holiday favorite at your table.

I first discovered the magic of Holiday Seafood Spaghetti Salmon during a Christmas Eve gathering with friends, where it was an instant hit. The creamy sauce, infused with paprika and loaded with seafood and veggies, had everyone coming back for seconds. The warmth and comfort this dish brings, especially during the holiday season, is truly special. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply craving a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to delight your guests and loved ones.

As you prepare this delightful dish, remember to savor each step, from sautéing the onions and garlic to adding the finishing touches of butter and grated cheese. The aroma of the smoked paprika will fill your kitchen with a festive spirit, evoking memories of holiday meals past. So gather around the table, pour a glass of sauvignon blanc, and enjoy a taste of the sea with this mouthwatering Holiday Seafood Spaghetti Salmon that brings joy and togetherness to any celebration.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy and comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings
• Rich and flavorful white sauce with a hint of smoky paprika
• Versatile recipe allowing for customization with different seafood and veggies
• Make-ahead friendly for easy entertaining and leftovers reheating

Why You’ll Love This Festive Seafood Spaghetti Recipe: Delicious Salmon Pasta Recipe

• Rich and Creamy White Sauce: Indulge in a luscious and creamy white sauce that is perfectly balanced with the seafood and veggies, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.
• Festive Flavors: Experience the festive flavors of the holiday season with the smoked paprika, roasted red pepper, and sundried tomatoes that add depth and a special touch to the dish.
• Versatile Seafood Options: Enjoy the flexibility of using different seafood such as shrimp, crab, scallops, or white fish, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking or based on what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the sauce and sautéed veggies in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining or busy weeknights. The flavors meld overnight, enhancing the taste even more the next day.
• Traditional Yet Unique: Embrace the tradition of seafood pasta during the holidays, with a twist. The combination of shrimp, cheese, and creamy sauce offers a blend of elegance and comfort that is perfect for any special occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: Create a memorable meal by serving this pasta in a warm platter with plenty of grated cheese, making it ideal for family gatherings or festive celebrations.
• Fresh and Brighten: Pair the dish with a citrusy green salad and a glass of crisp white wine to balance the richness of the pasta, offering a fresh and delightful contrast to the meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Experiment with different ingredients like spinach, artichoke hearts, or zucchini to tailor the dish to your preferences, adding more depth and variety to the recipe.

Ingredients for Festive Seafood Spaghetti Recipe: Delicious Salmon Pasta

Creamy White Sauce

• 240 ml chicken stock or chicken bone stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter, bacon drippings, or olive oil
• 1/3 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 550 ml half and half, divided
• 100 grams grated cheese (mixture of parmesan, asiago, and romano)
• 2 tablespoons butter, to finish (optional)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Sautéed Vegetables & Shrimp

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 120 grams roasted red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 50 grams sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 225 grams cooked shrimp, thawed and patted dry

Pro Tips for Festive Seafood Spaghetti Recipe: Delicious Salmon Pasta

Pro tip 1: To enhance the smoky flavor of the dish, use a good quality smoked paprika. It adds depth and richness to the creamy sauce, making it the star of the show.

Pro tip 2: Don’t be afraid to customize the seafood in this recipe based on your preferences. Swap out shrimp for crab meat, scallops, or white fish to create your own unique flavor combination.

Pro tip 3: If the sauce thickens too much when reheating leftovers, simply add a splash of half and half to bring it back to the desired consistency. Finish with a bit of butter for a luxurious and silky finish before serving.

How to Make Festive Seafood Spaghetti Recipe: Delicious Salmon Pasta

Step 1: Prepare White Sauce Base

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter (or bacon drippings or olive oil). Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until the roux is a pale blond color.

Step 2: Combine Dairy and Stock

Slowly whisk in the majority of the half and half and chicken stock. Add smoked paprika and keep whisking until well mixed.

Step 3: Melt in Cheeses

Whisk in the grated cheese mixture until completely melted.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If too thick, stir in reserved half and half and optional butter to adjust consistency before serving.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add roasted red bell pepper, sundried tomatoes, and shrimp; cook until shrimp is heated through, stirring occasionally.

Storage Tips

To store the finished holiday seafood spaghetti with salmon meatballs, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The creamy sauce will thicken as it chills, so before gently reheating on the stove, consider adding a splash of half and half or cream to reach the desired consistency. It is recommended to avoid microwaving the dish as it can cause the cheese to seize up and the shrimp to become rubbery. The flavors of the dish tend to meld and enhance overnight, making the pasta even more delicious the next day.

If you want to change up the seafood in the dish, feel free to substitute shrimp with crab lump meat, scallops, or chunks of firm flaky white fish for a different flavor profile. In case you run out of sundried tomatoes, you can use finely diced fresh tomatoes or a few spoonfuls of tomato pesto as alternatives. To add freshness and color, consider incorporating chopped spinach or frozen peas into the dish towards the end of cooking. By following these storage and substitution tips, you can enjoy a delightful and flavorful seafood pasta meal that can be easily customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to switch up the seafood in this Holiday Seafood Spaghetti Salmon dish, feel free to experiment with scallops, crab, or chunks of white fish in place of or in addition to the salmon and shrimp. This will add variety to the dish while maintaining the delicious creamy sauce and festive flavors.

If you don’t have the exact cheese blend of parmesan, asiago, and romano on hand, don’t worry! Other hard Italian cheeses like pecorino or provolone can be used as substitutes. These cheeses will still provide a rich and savory taste to the dish and melt smoothly into the creamy white sauce.

To adjust the consistency of the sauce, add an extra splash of half and half if it thickens too much during cooking. For a final touch of silkiness, consider finishing the dish with a small amount of butter before serving. These simple substitutions and adjustments will help you achieve a delicious and comforting seafood pasta perfect for any holiday gathering.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider presenting this festive Holiday Seafood Spaghetti Salmon in individual baked pasta shells. Portion the creamy seafood pasta into large pasta shells, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. This unique presentation adds a touch of elegance to the dish and makes for a stunning holiday centerpiece on the dinner table.

For a cozy and casual serving idea, transform this seafood spaghetti into a hearty seafood pasta bake. Layer cooked spaghetti with the creamy white sauce, salmon meatballs, and shrimp in a baking dish. Top with a generous amount of cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. This comforting casserole is perfect for a laid-back holiday gathering, allowing guests to serve themselves straight from the dish for a warm and satisfying meal.

FAQs for Festive Seafood Spaghetti Recipe: Delicious Salmon Pasta

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prep the sauce and sautéed veggies in advance, then reheat gently before finishing with the seafood and pasta.

What other seafood can I use in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute or add scallops, crab, or white fish along with the salmon and shrimp for variety.

What other cheese options can I use besides parmesan, asiago, and romano?

A blend of parmesan, asiago, and romano melts smoothly and provides a rich flavor. Other hard Italian cheeses also work well.

How can I adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens?

Add an extra splash of half and half if it thickens, and finish with butter for a silky texture at serving.

Conclusion

As you prepare to serve your loved ones this delectable Holiday Seafood Spaghetti Salmon, remember that the magic of the holiday season lies in the shared moments around the table. The rich and creamy sauce, the flavorful mix of seafood, and the festive touch of smoked paprika all come together to create a dish that is sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings.

Embrace the tradition of savoring good food and good company, and let this dish be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re recreating cherished memories or starting new traditions, this Holiday Seafood Spaghetti Salmon is a delicious way to add a touch of elegance and coziness to your festive feasts. So, gather your loved ones, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy every bite of this exquisite dish that brings a little taste of the sea to your holiday table.