This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a tasty dish that combines tender salmon with smooth, flavorful pesto and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick to make, so ideal for busy days!
Whenever I whip this up, it feels like a fancy dinner without all the fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that brings together fish and a fresh herby kick? Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for its great texture and ability to hold onto sauce. If you don’t have penne, feel free to swap it with fusilli, rotini, or any favorite pasta you have on hand.
Salmon: Fresh salmon is fantastic, but if it’s not available, you can use canned salmon or even cooked shrimp for a different twist.
Pesto: Store-bought basil pesto saves time, but homemade is often more flavorful. You could also experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or even spinach pesto for a change.
Cherry tomatoes: If you don’t have cherries, regular diced tomatoes work too. For a bit more flavor, you could try adding a splash of lemon juice when sautéing.
How Do I Cook Salmon Perfectly?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but it’s easier than you might think! Here’s how to get that golden, flaky goodness:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding salmon; this helps get a nice crust.
- Cook skin-side down for the first few minutes; it helps keep the fish moist.
- Don’t rush! Allow it to cook undisturbed for the first 3-4 minutes.
- Flip gently and cook until it’s just opaque in the center. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep an eye on it!
Perfectly cooked salmon should still be a little moist inside. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Salmon Pesto Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking salmon)
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1-2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced (if making pesto fresh or for sauté)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It includes around 10 minutes for cooking the pasta and salmon, with just a few minutes for prepping ingredients and tossing everything together. A quick and delicious meal awaits!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it to be firm but not hard, so keep an eye on it!
2. Season and Cook the Salmon:
While the pasta is cooking, take the salmon fillets and season them with salt and pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if there’s skin). Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Then, flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re fully cooked through. When done, remove the salmon from the skillet and flake it into bite-sized pieces with a fork.
3. Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, if you’re feeling fancy, you can add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté them for 1-2 minutes just until they start to soften a bit. This step enhances their sweetness and adds a lovely texture to your dish!
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, return the drained pasta to the pot or your mixing bowl. Pour in the basil pesto and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the flavors are mixed beautifully.
5. Add the Salmon and Tomatoes:
Carefully fold in the flaked salmon pieces and sautéed cherry tomatoes, making sure not to break up the salmon too much. This way, every bite has a delicious piece of salmon!
6. Serve and Garnish:
To finish up, serve your Salmon Pesto Pasta warm on plates or in bowls. Top with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy your lovely meal!
There you have it! A simple, tasty Salmon Pesto Pasta that’s sure to impress your family or friends. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as fusilli, spaghetti, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Salmon?
If fresh salmon isn’t available, canned salmon works well, or you can use cooked shrimp or even grilled chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using something that’s already cooked!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or cream to keep the pasta moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and salmon in advance. Just keep the components separate until you’re ready to serve in order to maintain the best texture. Assemble and warm it up when you’re ready to eat!
