If you’re looking for a dish that brings together fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and a wonderful combination of textures, this Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s comfort food elevated by the bright herby notes of basil pesto, the delicate richness of flaky salmon, and the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes. Whipping up this dish takes just around 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that still feels special enough for guests. Trust me, once you try this Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites for a hassle-free, delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all you need to pull together a meal that looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, adding texture, and delivering that satisfying finishing touch we all crave in pasta dishes.
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite pasta shape—both work beautifully to hold the pesto sauce and flaky salmon.
- 2 skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz each): Fresh salmon is tender and flavorful, creating a rich contrast with the herbal pesto.
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade): The star of the show—bright, nutty, and full of fresh basil goodness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness bring color and a juicy pop to every bite.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly over the warm pasta.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing the salmon, adding richness and a golden sear.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch and beautiful presentation.
How to Make Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until it reaches al dente perfection based on package instructions. Make sure to save one cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is magic for adjusting your sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Season the salmon fillets simply with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add the salmon skin-side down. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until flaky and beautifully golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and flake the salmon gently with a fork into bite-sized pieces that will mingle effortlessly with your pasta.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Salmon and Pesto
Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl and add the flaked salmon along with halved cherry tomatoes. Dollop the basil pesto over everything and toss gently to coat every strand and chunk evenly with that gorgeous green sauce.
Step 4: Adjust the Sauce
If you feel the mixture is a little thick or dry, slowly mix in some of the reserved pasta water until your sauce is silky and clings beautifully to every bite of pasta and salmon.
Step 5: Finish and Plate
Serve the pasta on plates or in a large serving bowl. Generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves on top to add that inviting fresh aroma and a lovely pop of color.
Step 6: Dig In
This dish is seriously best enjoyed right away when everything is warm and fresh. Get ready for compliments and maybe even a request for seconds!
How to Serve Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra garnishes can take this Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe to the next level, not just visually but also flavor-wise. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil adds sheen and richness. Crushed red pepper flakes can add a lovely hint of heat. Finally, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a delightful crunch that pairs splendidly with the basil and salmon flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads to balance out the richness—think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a mixed green salad with shaved fennel. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works beautifully for soaking up every last bit of pesto sauce, turning your meal into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and top each portion with a sprig of basil and a lemon wedge for brightness. You could also serve it buffet-style for casual gatherings, letting guests garnish their own bowls with Parmesan and herbs. For a fun twist, try stuffing roasted bell peppers with the pasta mixture and baking until warmed through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because pesto can darken when exposed to air, store the pasta well sealed and re-season lightly after reheating if needed.
Freezing
Freezing salmon pasta dishes can be tricky since fresh herbs and pesto sometimes change texture after thawing. It’s best to freeze only the cooked salmon and pasta separately without adding pesto and fresh tomatoes. When ready to eat, thaw and toss quickly with fresh pesto and tomatoes to keep that vibrant flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your portion in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. A microwave works too; just cover the dish to avoid drying out and stir halfway through heating. Freshen up with a pinch of grated Parmesan or fresh basil to revive the flavor and appearance.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works just fine—thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and texture in your Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe.
Is store-bought pesto as good as homemade?
Store-bought pesto can be very convenient and taste great, but homemade pesto has a brightness and freshness that you can’t quite replicate. If you have the time, homemade will elevate this dish even more.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
Spaghetti and fettuccine are classic choices because their shape allows the pesto to coat the strands evenly, but feel free to use any pasta you love—penne, farfalle, or even fusilli will work well!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salmon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep the dish hearty and flavorful while still enjoying the fresh pesto goodness.
How do I prevent the pesto from browning?
Storing pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top helps prevent oxidation. When mixing pesto into warm pasta, add it off the heat and use reserved pasta water gently to keep that vibrant green color.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe is a delicious, vibrant dish that balances fresh, rich, and comforting elements all in one bowl. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve for guests. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Salmon Pesto Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender pan-seared salmon fillets are flaked and combined with al dente spaghetti, sweet cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves, this pasta combines rich, fresh flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salmon
- 2 skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Prepare Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish is flaky and golden brown. Remove from heat and gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, halved cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
- Adjust Sauces Consistency: If the mixture seems dry or too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired sauciness is achieved, stirring to blend well.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta mixture and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can use smoked salmon but reduce cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the pesto with fresh chopped basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Store any leftovers refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
