This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Tender salmon, tossed with creamy basil pesto and al dente pasta, creates a comforting yet elegant meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
The combination of rich, flaky salmon and vibrant green pesto makes this dish both nourishing and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests, this pasta brings gourmet flair with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and ready in under 30 minutes
- High in protein and omega-3s
- Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced
- Ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or date nights
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the salmon
Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the creamy pesto sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add pesto, cream, and Parmesan. Stir gently until smooth and warm.
4. Combine everything
Flake the salmon into large pieces and add it to the skillet with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
5. Finish and serve
Squeeze lemon juice over the top, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or canned salmon?
Yes — simply add it at the end when tossing with the pasta and sauce.
What type of pesto works best?
Classic basil pesto is ideal, but you can try arugula or sun-dried tomato pesto for variety.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free pesto for a lighter, lactose-free version.
Flavor Variations
Pesto Salmon Linguine: Swap pasta for linguine and add cherry tomatoes.
Spinach Pesto Pasta: Mix spinach with basil for a nutrient boost.
Zucchini Noodles Option: Use zoodles instead of pasta for a low-carb dinner.
Nutrition Summary
Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor — this Salmon Pesto Pasta is the ultimate pescatarian comfort dish.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 520 | 34g | 38g | 27g | 2g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
