This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a quick and tasty dish bringing together tender salmon and vibrant pesto. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner!
You can’t go wrong when creamy pesto meets flaky salmon. I love tossing it all together, and the colors just make me smile. It’s as fun to eat as it is to prepare! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because the grooves hold onto the pesto beautifully. However, if you don’t have rotini, any spiral pasta like fusilli or even penne can work well.
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets give the best flavor. If that’s not available, canned or frozen salmon are great alternatives. You can also use trout for a different taste.
Basil Pesto: Homemade pesto is fantastic if you have fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. If you need a quick fix, store-bought pesto is just fine! You can even use sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, any small tomato will work. You could even use diced regular tomatoes. Roasting them could elevate their flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Salmon for This Dish?
Cooking salmon so it’s tender and flaky takes a bit of attention. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Start with room-temperature salmon for even cooking.
- Season your salmon generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add the olive oil. Wait until it shimmers before adding the salmon.
- Cook skin-side down for crispy texture, then flip gently without too much fuss.
- Be careful not to overcook – salmon should flake easily but be slightly opaque in the center. A cooking time of about 8-10 minutes works well.
Letting the salmon rest before breaking it into chunks helps keep it moist. Enjoy the process! 😊
Salmon Pesto Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Salmon Pesto Pasta will take about 20-30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—perfectly tender but still with a little bite. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
While your pasta is cooking, take the salmon fillets and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their flavor as they cook.
3. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until it shimmers. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a lovely golden color. Remove from heat and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. Then, gently break the salmon into chunks.
4. Combine with Pesto:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the basil pesto sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that beautiful green sauce.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes:
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of flavor and color.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Plate up your pesto-coated pasta and top it generously with the salmon chunks. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a fresh touch. If you love cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top!
7. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy this delightful meal. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies for a balanced dish!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Canned Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned salmon is a great time-saver. Just drain it well and flake it into chunks before adding it to the pasta. You might want to reduce cooking time or skip the pan-searing step.
What’s a Good Alternative to Pesto?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using sun-dried tomato pesto or a creamy sauce like Alfredo. For a lighter option, consider a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice with fresh herbs.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or water to help restore creaminess and prevent dryness.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can sauté them with the salmon or toss them in with the pasta for additional flavor and nutrition.