Cavatappi with Salmon and Wilted Fennel

By

David Bonom, Cooking Light

JUNE 2014

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces uncooked cavatappi
  • 3 (6-ounce) skinless wild sockeye salmon fillets (about 3/4 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 cups sliced fennel bulb
  • 1 cup vertically sliced onion
  • 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • Fennel fronds (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

2. While pasta cooks, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salmon with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add salmon; cook 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Remove salmon; flake into large pieces.

3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add fennel and onion; sauté 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes or until mixture begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes and wine; cook 2 minutes or until syrupy. Stir in pasta, reserved 1/2 cup cooking liquid, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Gently stir in salmon. Top with fennel fronds, if desired.