The Perfect Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinner Nights

Salmon pesto pasta reimagines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that dances between rustic comfort and gourmet sophistication.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients merge seamlessly in this delightful combination that promises intense flavor in every forkful.

Delicate fish meets herbaceous sauce, creating a symphony of textures that awakens your palate with remarkable depth.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character, building a complex yet harmonious profile that feels both familiar and exciting.

The vibrant green sauce intertwines with succulent seafood, elevating a simple pasta dish into something truly memorable.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe balances nutrition and indulgence with remarkable grace.

You’ll be amazed how quickly such an impressive meal comes together with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love Salmon Pesto Pasta

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: Salmon pesto pasta delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, blending rich salmon with aromatic pesto for a gourmet experience right at home.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: The one-skillet method creates layers of flavor by searing salmon, then building a creamy sauce using the same pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.
• Enjoy Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with 30g protein, healthy fats, and balanced nutrients, this dish offers a delicious way to support your wellness goals without sacrificing incredible taste.

Essential Ingredients for Salmon Pesto Pasta

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that provides rich flavor and tender texture. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce. Low-sodium varieties recommended for better control of salt content.

• Pasta: Classic base for the dish that catches the creamy sauce. Any medium-length pasta like penne or linguine works perfectly.
• Pesto: Vibrant herbal sauce that brings intense basil and garlic notes. Store-bought or homemade versions are suitable.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce with rich consistency. Full-fat version ensures best texture.

• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, even garlic flavor throughout the salmon. Ensures consistent seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of salmon and balance overall dish.
• Flour: Light coating that helps create a golden-brown crust on salmon. All-purpose flour works best.
• Olive Oil and Butter: Combination provides perfect searing temperature and adds depth of flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce and adds a fresh, tangy note. Fresh lemons recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds salty, nutty finish to the dish. Freshly grated preferred.

How to Make Salmon Pesto Pasta from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta al dente following package instructions exactly. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season Salmon Sensationally

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• All-purpose flour

Generously sprinkle seasonings over salmon fillets, then lightly dust with flour for a delectable golden coating.

Step 3: Create Sizzling Skillet Magic

Combine olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the mixture shimmers and creates that perfect cooking environment.

Step 4: Cook Salmon to Golden Perfection

Carefully place seasoned salmon into the hot skillet. Cook 3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Gently transfer cooked salmon to a waiting plate.

Step 5: Build Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Pour chicken broth
• Add pesto

Stir and scrape the pan to incorporate all those incredible flavor fragments. Let simmer for 30 seconds.

Step 6: Enhance Sauce Complexity

Introduce cream and a splash of lemon juice to the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble softly for 1 minute, creating a rich and creamy base.

Step 7: Reunite Salmon with Sauce

Return salmon pieces to the skillet. Gently break apart with a spoon. Reduce heat and let everything meld together for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 8: Create Final Culinary Masterpiece

Combine pasta and sauce in the skillet, ensuring every pasta strand gets luxuriously coated. Serve immediately with an optional sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Top Tips for Salmon Pesto Pasta

• Perfectly Season Salmon: Gently pat salmon dry with paper towels before adding seasonings to help flour adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the delicate salmon, ensuring it remains moist and tender.
• Maximize Flavor Development: Keep those browned bits in the pan when making the sauce, as they contribute deep, rich flavor notes to the entire dish.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Stir cream and broth gently and avoid high heat to maintain a smooth, silky sauce consistency without curdling.
• Avoid Overcooking Salmon: Break salmon into large chunks during final simmering to prevent drying out, checking doneness by ensuring fish flakes easily with a fork.

Storing and Reheating Salmon Pesto Pasta

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon pesto pasta in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve the delicate flavors of the dish.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out and maintain its creamy texture.
• Stovetop Reviving: Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Drizzle a small amount of cream or broth to restore the sauce's smooth consistency and prevent sticking. Work quickly to keep the salmon tender and prevent overcooking, which can make the fish tough and lose its delicate flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Salmon Pesto Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the rich salmon and herbal pesto flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with bright, zesty notes.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a peppery crunch that echoes the pesto's green herbaceousness.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm garlic bread or a rustic ciabatta to soak up the delectable sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and extra flavor absorption.
• Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a refreshing lemon-cucumber water or sparkling citrus drink to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the dish's delicate seafood and herb profile.

Flavor Variations of Salmon Pesto Pasta

• Spicy Cajun Salmon Pasta: Replace pesto with Cajun seasoning and add diced bell peppers for a zesty, southern-style kick that brings heat and color to the dish.
• Mediterranean Salmon Pasta: Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato sauce and incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and fresh basil leaves for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Creamy Dill Salmon Pasta: Substitute pesto with fresh dill and increase cream sauce, then garnish with chopped chives and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a light, herbaceous touch that complements the salmon perfectly.
• Garlic Herb Salmon Pasta: Use a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary instead of pesto, and add roasted garlic cloves to create a robust, aromatic sauce that elevates the salmon's natural flavors.

Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky salmon meets zesty pesto in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish. Quick and elegant, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors directly to your plate, promising a delightful culinary journey with each forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh salmon
• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) chicken broth
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) pesto

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Flour, for dredging

Dairy and Optional Topping:

• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) heavy cream
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously sized pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Cook pasta to al dente perfection according to package guidelines, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. While pasta simmers, generously season salmon fillets with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Delicately dust each fillet with all-purpose flour, ensuring a uniform light coating.
3. In a large skillet, combine olive oil and unsalted butter, heating over medium-high temperature until the mixture shimmers and becomes fragrant.
4. Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet, searing each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops and fish becomes slightly flaky.
5. Gently transfer cooked salmon to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful browned bits and pan drippings.
6. Pour chicken broth and vibrant green pesto into the same skillet, vigorously whisking to incorporate the caramelized remnants from salmon cooking.
7. Introduce heavy cream and fresh lemon juice to the sauce, allowing it to simmer gently for 45-60 seconds, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Carefully break salmon into rustic chunks directly into the sauce, reducing heat to low and letting the flavors meld together for an additional 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
9. Drain pasta completely, then fold it into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley for added brightness.

Notes

• Start by preparing ingredients before boiling water to maximize cooking efficiency.
• Flour coating on salmon creates a delicate golden crust that seals in moisture and adds subtle texture.
• Quick searing technique ensures salmon remains tender and flakes perfectly without overcooking.
• Scraping browned bits from pan develops deep, complex flavor foundation for the entire dish.
• Using same skillet allows natural salmon drippings to enhance pesto sauce’s richness and depth.
• Gentle simmering technique prevents sauce separation and maintains smooth, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg