Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe

Salmon pesto pasta is the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity. This dish brings together the rich, tender flavors of salmon with the creamy, herbaceous goodness of pesto, all tossed with al dente pasta. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

Why You’ll Love Salmon Pesto Pasta

1. Customizable: Swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste.
2. Impressive: Perfect for date nights or family dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta
   • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Set Aside
   • Drain the pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the Fillets
   • Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
2. Sear the Salmon
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
3. Flip and Finish
   • Flip the salmon and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
4. Rest and Flake
   • Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Use a fork to flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Pesto Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic
   • In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add Pesto and Cream
   • Stir in the pesto and heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate Pasta Water
   • Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
4. Melt Parmesan
   • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Toss Pasta
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Add Salmon
   • Gently fold in the flaked salmon, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
3. Taste and Adjust
   • Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Parmesan as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish
   • Divide the pasta among serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish
   • Top with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
3. Serve
   • Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Salmon Pesto Pasta

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients
   • Use fresh basil pesto and high-quality salmon for the best flavor.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente
   • Slightly firm pasta holds up better when tossed in sauce.
3. Don’t Overcook Salmon
   • Overcooked salmon can become dry and lose its delicate texture.
4. Use Reserved Pasta Water
   • The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and adds silkiness.
5. Balance the Flavors
   • Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the pesto and cream.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version
   • Skip the salmon and add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus.
2. Lighter Sauce
   • Use Greek yogurt or a splash of milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
3. Spicy Twist
   • Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a touch of heat.
4. Seafood Medley
   • Mix salmon with shrimp or scallops for a luxurious seafood pasta.
5. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta
   • Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Canned Salmon?

• Yes, drained canned salmon can be substituted for fresh fillets in a pinch.

2. What Type of Pasta Works Best?

• Long pasta like linguine or fettuccine pairs well, but shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni works too.

3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

• Yes, prepare the sauce and salmon ahead, then cook the pasta and assemble just before serving.

4. How Do I Make Homemade Pesto?

• Blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil until smooth. Add salt to taste.

Conclusion

This Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish offers a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Yield: 4

Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe

Print

Salmon pesto pasta is the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity. This dish brings together the rich, tender flavors of salmon with the creamy, herbaceous goodness of pesto, all tossed with al dente pasta. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salmon:
• 4 (4-6 oz) salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or your choice)
• 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Garnish:
• Fresh basil leaves
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
   Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
   
2. Step 2: Cook the Salmon
   Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
   Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
   Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
   In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Stir in the pesto and heavy cream, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
   Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water, if needed.
   
4. Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the pesto sauce.
   Add cherry tomatoes (if using) and gently stir them in. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Step 5: Serve
   Plate the pasta and top with a salmon fillet.
   Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Salmon Alternative: Substitute salmon with shrimp, chicken, or a plant-based protein for variation.

Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s key for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

Pesto Choice: Use fresh, high-quality pesto for the best flavor.