Zesty Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe: A Bright Weeknight Delight
Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy every hungry palate, and this mouthwatering salmon pesto pasta delivers a perfect harmony of flavors.
Fresh, flaky salmon mingles effortlessly with vibrant homemade pesto, creating a restaurant-worthy meal in mere minutes.
The combination of rich, omega-packed fish and aromatic basil sauce promises a luxurious dining experience.
Tender pasta strands provide the ideal canvas for this elegant dish, absorbing every nuanced taste.
Each forkful promises a delightful blend of marine and herbal notes that dance across your taste buds.
Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a go-to for both novice and experienced home cooks.
You’ll want to add this irresistible salmon pesto pasta to your weekly rotation.
Cooking Salmon Pesto Pasta with Ease
Water Preparation Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil, ready to welcome your pasta strands.
Salmon Seasoning Dust salmon with a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then gently coat with a whisper-thin layer of flour for a delicate golden exterior.
Skillet Magic Heat a blend of olive oil and butter in a skillet until it dances with anticipation, creating the perfect canvas for your seafood masterpiece.
Salmon Sizzle Gently place seasoned salmon into the heated skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown treasure in about 3 minutes.
Flavor Foundation Remove salmon and keep those beautiful browned bits nestled in the pan – they're liquid gold for your sauce.
Sauce Creation Pour chicken broth and pesto into the skillet, awakening those caramelized flavor fragments and creating a harmonious base.
Creamy Finish Introduce cream and a splash of bright lemon juice, letting the sauce bubble with gentle enthusiasm for a minute.
Salmon Reunion Reunite the salmon with the sauce, breaking it into tender morsels and allowing everything to mingle and develop deep, rich flavors.
Final Flourish Toss your perfectly cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand becomes a delectable carrier of the luxurious sauce, and crown with a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
Flavor Variations for Salmon Pesto Pasta Fans
Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with firm, bright-colored flesh. Wild-caught salmon typically offers richer flavor compared to farm-raised varieties.
Experiment with different pesto styles like sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or homemade basil pesto to transform the dish's flavor profile.
Always cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure it holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when coating salmon. Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
Replace salmon with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a versatile meal that keeps the delicious pesto cream sauce intact. Each protein brings its unique twist to the recipe.
How to Serve Salmon Pesto Pasta Stylishly
Cozy Weeknight Dinner Delight: Pair this salmon pesto pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add fresh texture to your meal.
Elegant Hosting Option: Serve on a large white platter with salmon pieces artfully arranged on top of pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for a restaurant-style presentation that will impress dinner guests.
Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish's creamy pesto and salmon flavors with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which will enhance the meal's delicate seafood and herbal notes while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
Leftover Lunch Transformation: Enjoy cold pasta the next day by adding a drizzle of olive oil and extra fresh basil, making it a delicious quick lunch that tastes just as wonderful straight from the refrigerator.
Save and Store Salmon Pesto Pasta Like a Chef
Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover salmon pesto pasta in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 2-3 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
Quick Reheating Strategy: Gently warm the pasta using a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and restore the sauce's creamy consistency without drying out the salmon.
Freezing Wisdom: For longer storage, separate salmon and pasta before freezing to prevent soggy textures. Keep sauce and fish in separate sealed containers, lasting up to one month when properly wrapped.
Lunch Prep Magic: Transform leftovers into a delightful cold pasta salad by adding fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice, creating an exciting next-day lunch option that reinvents the original meal.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 540 kcal
Servings: 5
What You’ll Need for Salmon Pesto Pasta
For Protein And Base:
Fresh Salmon: Wild-caught varieties offer richer flavor and more nutrients, selecting center-cut pieces ensures even cooking and tender texture.
Pasta: Choose short shapes like penne or fusilli that hold sauce beautifully, whole wheat options provide extra fiber and nutty undertones.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Pesto: Homemade or store-bought adds vibrant herbal notes, basil-based versions bring authentic Italian essence.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture, low-sodium options allow better control of overall saltiness.
Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious silky texture, helps bind sauce and soften pesto's intense flavor.
Lemon Juice: Brightens dish with subtle tangy kick, balances rich salmon and creamy sauce.
Creamy pesto salmon pasta brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with elegant simplicity. Pasta lovers will discover a quick, luxurious meal combining fresh salmon, homemade basil pesto, and tender linguine in one delightful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) fresh salmon
8 oz (226 g) uncooked pasta
¼ cup (59 ml) heavy cream
⅓ cup (79 ml) chicken broth
⅓ cup (79 ml) pesto
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp lemon juice
Flour, for dredging
Salt & pepper, to taste
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, following package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes.
Salmon Seasoning and Coating: Season salmon fillets with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Lightly dust each fillet with all-purpose flour for a delicate crust.
Salmon Searing: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture becomes shimmering and aromatic. Sear salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and flaky texture.
Sauce Creation: Remove salmon and reserve. In the same skillet, whisk chicken broth and pesto, incorporating the caramelized salmon drippings. Introduce heavy cream and lemon juice, simmering for 45-60 seconds to develop a silky sauce.
Salmon Integration and Finishing: Break salmon into rustic chunks, adding to the sauce and simmering on low heat for 3-5 minutes. Drain pasta and fold into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Plate immediately, garnishing with grated parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley.
Notes
Sear Salmon Perfectly: Pat salmon dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
Flour Coating Trick: Lightly dust salmon with flour to create a delicate crust that helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle textural complexity.
Sauce Intensity Booster: Scrape up browned bits from the pan to infuse the sauce with deep, caramelized salmon flavors that elevate the entire dish.
Pasta Timing Matters: Reserve some pasta water before draining, which can help adjust sauce consistency and add a silky texture if needed.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.