Blackened Salmon Pasta

Ingredients

• (4 ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
• tablespoon sunsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tablespoon sground paprika
• teaspoon brown sugar
• teaspoon cayenne pepper
• teaspoon sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• (16 ounce) packagelinguine pasta
• tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• tablespoon sunsalted butter, divided
• (8 ounce) packagebaby bella mushrooms, slice d
• medium red bell pepper, slice d
• medium green bell pepper, slice d
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• clove sgarlic, minced
• cup shalf-and-half
• teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

Instructions

1. Set salmon fillets on a plate with flesh sides up; brush the tops with melted butter.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Pour sauce over the linguine and vegetable mixture. Add tomatoes and toss to combine.
8. Serve pasta in bowls topped with blackened salmon, removing the skin, if desired. Garnish with parsley.

Tips

You can substitute chicken for the salmon if you prefer.