Description
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg