Imagine a gourmet meal that takes only 20 minutes to prepare, yet tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Impossible? Not with this incredible Salmon Pesto Pasta recipe! In just 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can create a tender, flaky salmon dish tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, bursting blistered cherry tomatoes, all coated in a rich, aromatic basil pesto sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for busy weeknights, romantic date nights, or any occasion when you crave something special without the fuss. It’s the ultimate answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you’re short on time but refuse to compromise on flavor.
This pesto salmon pasta masterfully blends fresh, savory, and creamy flavors into a harmonious dish. The star of the show is perfectly seared salmon, cooked to golden perfection with a delicate, flaky texture. It’s then lovingly combined with your favorite pasta, enveloped in a smooth, herbaceous basil pesto sauce. The addition of sweet cherry tomatoes, gently blistered, adds pops of juicy acidity that cut through the richness, creating a beautifully balanced meal.
One of the true beauties of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, you can tailor it to your preferences. Opt for convenience with a high-quality store-bought pesto for those extra-speedy evenings, or elevate the flavors by crafting your own vibrant basil pesto from scratch. For those seeking a lighter alternative, simply swap the creamy sauce for a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, allowing the natural flavors of the salmon and pasta to shine through.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Adore This Speedy Salmon Pesto Pasta
This quick salmon pesto pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Unbeatable Speed: In today’s fast-paced world, finding a recipe that delivers gourmet taste in under 20 minutes is a game-changer. This dish requires just 5 minutes of active preparation and cooks in a mere 15 minutes. You can even season your salmon and get your pasta water boiling slightly ahead of time to shave off even more precious moments, though it’s already incredibly efficient. It’s faster and healthier than any takeout option!
- A Symphony of Flavors: The dish strikes a perfect balance between the rich, buttery notes of perfectly seared salmon and the bright, tangy zest of basil pesto. Each bite offers a delightful contrast, further enhanced by the sweet, acidic burst of blistered cherry tomatoes. The vibrant pesto sauce beautifully complements salmon’s distinct flavor, ensuring a lively and engaging culinary experience. This makes it an ideal addition to your spring dinner recipes or any season when you crave freshness.
- Remarkably Adaptable: One of the greatest advantages of this pesto salmon pasta is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes—from classic fettuccine to hearty pappardelle—or incorporate a medley of your favorite seasonal vegetables. Not a fan of salmon? Swap it for another fish or even chicken. This recipe encourages creativity, allowing you to customize it to suit your family’s unique tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table will love it.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Crafting the perfect salmon pesto pasta begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to your pantry or palate:
- Salmon Fillets: Aim for fresh salmon fillets of uniform thickness (around 1 to 1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking. This prevents thinner sections from drying out while thicker parts finish cooking. Skin-on or skin-off is a personal preference; skin-on often yields a crispier exterior.
- Pesto Sauce: Whether you choose a high-quality store-bought basil pesto for convenience or opt to make your own from scratch using fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, pesto is the heart of this dish. For a different flavor profile, consider a sun-dried tomato pesto or even a kale pesto.
- Heavy Cream or Half & Half (Optional): For an irresistibly creamy pesto sauce, a splash of heavy cream or half & half works wonders. Half & half offers a slightly lighter creaminess without being too rich. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess) or a plant-based cream alternative can be used.
- Pasta: We highly recommend using long, thin pasta varieties that can beautifully cling to the pesto sauce, ensuring every forkful is perfectly coated. Fettuccine is a classic choice, but excellent alternatives for this salmon pasta recipe include spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, tagliatelle, and capellini. While pappardelle is also delicious, its wider, thicker shape can sometimes be a bit trickier to twirl on a fork.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet, juicy gems blister perfectly when seared, adding a burst of flavor and color. Grape tomatoes or other small, bite-sized tomato varieties work equally well.
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the salmon and caramelizing the tomatoes, a good quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor. Avocado oil is a suitable alternative with a high smoke point.
- Garlic, Salt, and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These foundational seasonings enhance the depth of flavor in both the salmon and the sauce. Adjust to your personal taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, adding a crucial zesty note that complements the richness of the salmon and pesto.
- Parmesan or Romano Cheese (for serving): A final sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, umami finish.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish): A few chopped fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic and visually appealing garnish.
🎯 Pro Tip: Achieve Perfect Salmon Slices
If your recipe calls for sliced salmon or you simply prefer smaller, more manageable pieces, here’s a professional trick: lightly freeze the salmon before cutting. Place the salmon fillet in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes, just until it firms up but isn’t completely solid. This brief chill makes the fish significantly easier to handle, allowing you to achieve clean, even slices without the delicate flesh falling apart or becoming mushy. Always use a sharp, thin-bladed knife, ideally a fillet knife, for the most precise cuts. Remember to slice against the grain to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that cook evenly and integrate seamlessly into your pasta.
Recipe Variations to Explore
This salmon pesto pasta recipe is a fantastic starting point for endless culinary creativity:
- Salmon Alfredo Pasta: For a decadent twist, replace the basil pesto entirely with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce or a velvety béchamel cheese sauce. The creamy base pairs beautifully with salmon, offering a completely different but equally satisfying experience.
- Vegetarian Pesto Pasta: Easily transform this into a delightful vegetarian meal by omitting the salmon and focusing on a vibrant medley of vegetables. Beyond cherry tomatoes, try adding zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, bell peppers, or tender broccoli florets. Sautéed mushrooms are an excellent choice for maintaining a hearty, meaty texture.
- Alternate Fish or Seafood: If salmon isn’t available or you’re looking to try something new, many other types of fish and seafood work wonderfully with pesto. Flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, halibut, or rockfish are fantastic choices. Shrimp or scallops also make excellent additions, cooking quickly and absorbing the pesto flavors beautifully. Always opt for what’s fresh, in season, or on sale for the best results!
Recommended Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools makes cooking this easy salmon pasta even more effortless:
- Stock Pot: A large stock pot is essential for cooking your pasta. Ensure it’s big enough to allow the pasta to move freely in plenty of heavily salted water, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
- Colander: A sturdy colander is needed for efficiently draining the pasta once it’s cooked, separating it from the reserved pasta water.
- Skillet (or Heavy-Bottomed Stainless Steel Pan): A large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan is crucial for achieving a perfect sear on the salmon and for blistering the cherry tomatoes. Its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly is key to developing those delicious golden crusts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Pesto and Salmon Pasta
Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping salmon pesto pasta in no time:
- Prepare the Pasta and Reserve Pasta Water: Begin by generously seasoning both sides of your salmon fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set them aside. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add your chosen pasta and cook until it’s al dente (this is usually about 2 minutes less than the package directions, ensuring it has a slight bite). Before draining, *very importantly*, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid is your secret ingredient for an extra flavorful and perfectly emulsified sauce. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Sear Salmon and Blister Tomatoes: Heat the olive oil (or avocado oil) in a large cast-iron skillet (or other heavy-bottomed pan) over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until the oil begins to shimmer gently. This crucial step ensures a beautiful, golden-brown sear on your salmon. Carefully add the cherry tomatoes to the hot oil and let them cook, undisturbed, for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice their skins begin to blister and burst, releasing their sweet juices. Once blistered, use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to push the tomatoes to one side of the skillet.
- Cook the Salmon and Infuse Garlic: Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets in the empty space of the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until a beautiful crust forms. Flip the salmon fillets over, toss or stir the blistered tomatoes, and continue cooking the salmon for another 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more, allowing its fragrant aroma to infuse the oil without burning. Your salmon should be opaque and flaky throughout, easily separating with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety. Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a serving plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Move the blistered tomatoes to a small bowl and set aside to be added back into the pasta later. Carefully pour out any excess grease from the skillet and return the pan to low heat.
- Assemble the Pesto Pasta: Add the drained pasta, pesto sauce, and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in the vibrant pesto. If you desire a luscious, creamy sauce, now is the time to stir in the optional heavy cream or half & half. If not using cream, slowly add half (about ¼ cup) of the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously. This starchy water helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta. *If you prefer a thinner sauce, continue adding more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.* Finally, gently fold in the reserved blistered tomatoes.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the warm pesto pasta evenly among six plates. Place a perfectly seared salmon fillet on top of each serving. Finish by sprinkling generously with freshly shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese and, if desired, a flourish of freshly chopped basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and color. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions for Your Salmon Pesto Pasta
This salmon pesto pasta is truly a versatile dish, perfect for everything from an intimate date night to a casual family dinner. Its rich and creamy flavor feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant. To create a well-rounded meal, consider these pairings:
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasted or steamed asparagus, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, is a classic pairing that adds a touch of sophistication and vibrant green.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delicious basil pesto sauce.
- White Wine: Elevate the dining experience with a glass of crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully complements the salmon and pesto.
- Extra Garnishes: For a final flourish, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts over the top for added crunch, or a handful of extra fresh basil and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors and presentation.
If you’re looking for more culinary inspiration, explore our recipes for Valentine’s Day, featuring heartwarming flavors and stunning presentations that are sure to impress your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Pesto Pasta
Salmon is an exceptional choice, offering a delicious, flavorful, and healthy protein that harmonizes beautifully with pesto pasta. Its richness is perfectly balanced by the vibrant herbiness of the pesto. Many other varieties of fish, like cod or halibut, also taste great. Beyond seafood, other fantastic protein options include grilled chicken, turkey, or even seared steak, allowing for diverse meal planning.
The calorie count for salmon and pesto pasta can vary based on the specific ingredients used and whether cream is added to the sauce. Generally, a single serving of this recipe, prepared without heavy cream, typically contains around 678 calories. If you opt for a creamier sauce using heavy cream, the calorie count per serving can increase to approximately 710 calories. Please note that these figures are estimates and will depend on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use when preparing your meal at home.
Absolutely! Leftover salmon fettuccine makes for a fantastic next-day meal. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Many find the pasta even more flavorful the next day as it continues to soak up the delicious pesto sauce. While it’s quite tasty cold, you can safely reheat it in the microwave using short, 20-30 second intervals on medium heat. For best results and to prevent overcooking the delicate salmon, you might want to gently reheat the fish and pasta separately, then combine them just before serving.
Yes, this dish is generally considered a healthy and balanced meal! Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health, and provides a good source of lean protein. Pesto, made with fresh basil, olive oil, and nuts, offers healthy fats and antioxidants. Paired with whole wheat pasta, it can provide fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice. You can further enhance its health benefits by adding more vegetables or reducing the amount of cream if used.
Absolutely! Frozen salmon works perfectly. Just ensure you thaw the fillets completely before seasoning and cooking. Pat them very dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents them from steaming instead of browning in the pan.
Looking for more effortless and delicious 30-minute meals like this salmon pasta recipe? We’ve got you covered with these quick culinary delights:
- Rigatoni Al Pomodoro: A classic, vibrant tomato pasta that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
- Cajun Chicken Strips: Spicy and flavorful chicken tenders ready in a flash.
- 30-Minute Chicken and Gravy: Comfort food that comes together quickly for a hearty meal.
- Bone In Ribeye Steak Recipe: A surprisingly quick way to achieve a restaurant-quality steak at home.
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Salmon Pesto Pasta
By Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Stock pot – for cooking pasta
- Colander
- Skillet – or heavy bottomed stainless steel pan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets (six 4-ounce filets of same thickness)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more/less, to your taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more/less, to your taste)
- 1 pound uncooked fettuccine (or other pasta of your choice)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (or other bite-sized tomatoes)
- 1 clove garlic (minced, about 1 teaspoon)
- ½ cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or Half & Half, optional, for a creamy pesto sauce)
For Serving
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese)
- 6 large basil leaves (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook to al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, until shimmering. Add cherry tomatoes; cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until skins blister.
- Push tomatoes to one side of the skillet. Place salmon fillets in the available space. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip salmon, stir tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Salmon should be seared and opaque/flaky inside. Transfer salmon to a serving plate and cover with foil. Move blistered tomatoes to a bowl. Pour out any grease from the skillet and return to low heat.
- Add pasta, pesto sauce, and lemon juice to the skillet; stir to combine. For a creamy sauce, stir in optional heavy cream. Otherwise, slowly stir in half (¼ cup) of the reserved pasta water. *Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if a thinner sauce is desired.* Gently stir in the blistered tomatoes.
- Divide pasta among 6 plates, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and place a salmon fillet on top of each. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pro Tip for Slicing Salmon: To achieve clean, even slices, place the salmon fillet in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until it firms up but is not completely frozen. Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife, slicing against the grain.
Recipe Variations:
- Salmon Alfredo Pasta: Substitute pesto with creamy Alfredo or béchamel cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian Pesto Pasta: Omit salmon; add a medley of veggies like squash, eggplant, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Use Another Fish: Experiment with flaky white cod, tilapia, halibut, or rockfish for equally delicious results.
Storing Instructions:
- Leftover salmon fettuccine can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Reheat gently in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, or enjoy cold. Consider reheating fish and pasta separately to prevent overcooking the salmon.
Make Ahead Instructions:
- While this recipe is incredibly quick, you can season the fish and prep the pasta ahead of time to make meal assembly even faster. However, the total cook time is so minimal that extensive pre-preparation isn’t usually necessary.
Nutrition
Calories: 678kcal |
Carbohydrates: 59g |
Protein: 40g |
Fat: 31g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 0.05g |
Cholesterol: 144mg |
Sodium: 785mg |
Potassium: 839mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 901IU |
Vitamin C: 4mg |
Calcium: 245mg |
Iron: 3mg