Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salmon pesto pasta is everything you could want in a quick dinner. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. The perfectly cooked salmon and the creamy pesto sauce complement each other, while the pasta ties it all together. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for those nights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite pesto and pasta.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta

• 1 pound fresh salmon

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Flour for dredging

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/3 cup chicken broth or dry white wine

• 1/3 cup pesto (click for my recipe or use your favorite jarred variety)

• 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Boil a salted pot of water for your pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.

2. Sprinkle the salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat it in flour on all sides.

3. Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the salmon to a plate. Set aside. Pour the fat out of the skillet, but leave the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the chicken broth and pesto to the skillet. Return it to the burner and cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

6. Add in the cream and lemon juice. Let the sauce bubble for about a minute.

7. Break the salmon into pieces with a spoon and return it to the pan. Let it cook gently for another 3-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce thickens a bit.

8. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the salmon and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the pesto sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

• Different Pesto: Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or basil walnut pesto, for a unique twist on this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta and sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

2. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

3. What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Any pasta works well, but long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine complements the sauce nicely. You can also use short pasta like penne or rigatoni.

4. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works just fine, but if you have the time, homemade pesto can elevate the dish even more.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free pesto and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free option.

6. How can I thicken the pesto sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a bit longer to help it reduce. Alternatively, adding a bit more cream or a cornstarch slurry can thicken it.

7. Can I make the pesto sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pesto in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

8. Can I skip the lemon juice?

If you’re using pesto that already contains lemon or if you prefer a less tangy flavor, you can skip the lemon juice.

9. How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?

To avoid overcooking, remove the salmon from the skillet once it’s lightly golden on both sides. Let it rest off the heat before breaking it into pieces.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your pesto is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Salmon pesto pasta is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying without too much effort. With its creamy pesto sauce and tender salmon, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.