Fish pasta is a delectable pasta dish consisting of cooked pasta in a sauce containing fish of any kind, such as salmon, tuna or white fish. The other ingredients used to make the sauce are olive oil, butter, garlic, onions, tomatoes, white wine and flavoring herbs like basil and thyme. These ingredients may be altered according to the type of sauce being prepared and many additional ingredients like lemon juice, red wine vinegar or bread crumbs may be included in such versions. Fish pasta is served as a side or main dish, and world cuisines like those of Italian, Asian and American have their own different versions.
Preparation Overview for Fish Pasta
Ingredients: Fish of any kind, such as salmon, tuna, anchovies, white fish or panfish, pasta, olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, salt, pepper, herbs like coriander or parsley and cheese are some of the commonly suggested ingredients by the fish pasta recipe. Other additional ingredients may include lime juice or vinegar, lemon peel, bread crumbs, seafood, red chilies, ginger, curry powder or other herbs and spices.
Method of Preparation: To prepare the dish, a sauce is first made by sautéing garlic and onions in heated olive oil, followed by the addition of canned tomatoes with juices and basil leaves. The sauce is allowed to cook by simmering. When done, seasonings are adjusted and pre-cooked fish and cooked pasta are mixed in and removed from heat. Alternately, any other kind of pasta sauce may be used for the dish. The fish is cut into small pieces and may be cooked in heated oil with seasonings like pepper and lemon peel, or baked in an oven with a brushing of olive oil before inclusion in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Fish pasta is served hot as a side or main dish, with plain steamed vegetables like broccoli, or a green salad. In some cuisines, it is served with cooked rice and chutney. It is garnished with grated cheese and/or coriander or basil leaves before serving.
Popular Fish Pasta Recipe Variations
- Tuna Tomato Pasta: This is prepared by making a tomato sauce with olive oil, garlic, onions and canned tomatoes, and tossing it with cooked angel hair pasta and tuna which has been heated through in a mixture of heated olive oil and seasonings.
- Smoked Salmon Pasta: This version is prepared by making a creamy sauce by adding whipping cream and half and half to sautéed garlic and onion. Smoked tuna, tomatoes and chives are stirred into it, and allowed to cook by simmering. Seasonings are adjusted and cooked pasta tossed with this sauce.
- Angel Hair Pasta with Salmon and Vegetables: This variant is prepared by tossing together cooked angel hair pasta, baked salmon which has been cut into nickel sized pieces, and spinach which has been cooked in salted water containing garlic salt.
Health and Nutrition Facts about Fish Pasta
Fish pasta incorporates the health benefits of fish, which are an excellent source of lean protein. Oily fish are rich in omega 3 acids that are known for their proven benefits in immunity boosting and fighting diseases. Anchovy, sardine, herring, hilsa, trout, salmon and mackerel are some examples of oily fish.
