Delish Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipes
When it comes to easy weeknight meals that feel both special and satisfying, my family’s go-to has become this Delish Salmon Pesto Pasta. The magic of combining tender, flaky salmon with a vibrant, herbaceous pesto sauce creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor while remaining light and approachable. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, which means more time with my loved ones at the dinner table and less time slaving over the stove.
One of my fondest memories involving this recipe is the first time we made it at home. My husband was skeptical at first—he loves his hearty pasta dishes and wasn’t sure how much he’d enjoy salmon paired with pasta. But I remember his eyes lighting up as he took that first bite, the combination of the rich, creamy pesto beautifully elevating the salmon. Since then, this dish has become a staple at our table, especially on busy weeknights when comfort food is a necessity. We’ve even gotten our little ones involved, letting them help mix the pasta with the pesto. They love it just as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love This Delish Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipes
This dish is a winner for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Second, the freshness of the pesto brings a burst of lively flavor that complements the savory salmon beautifully. Finally, it’s customizable—whether you’re feeling adventurous or sticking with classic flavors, this pasta can adapt to your tastes.
Behind the Recipe
Making Delish Salmon Pesto Pasta at home has taught me a lot about balancing flavors and textures. One thing that tends to trip people up is making the pesto from scratch—while it can be simpler than you think, it’s good to keep a store-bought version on hand as a backup. I’ve also learned that adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens the entire dish, giving it that extra zing. It’s these little touches that truly make the flavors pop!
Shopping Tips
When choosing salmon, look for fillets that are vibrant in color and smell fresh—avoid anything that seems overly fishy. For the pesto, fresh basil is key, so seek out bright, intact leaves. If you’re on a budget, pre-packaged pesto can work well in a pinch, but homemade truly shines in this dish. Always check the label for added sugars or preservatives if you opt for store-bought sauces.
Prep Ahead Ideas
You can chop the basil and garlic for the pesto a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to save time. Additionally, cooking the salmon in advance and keeping it in the fridge will allow you to quickly toss everything together for a fast meal. Just make sure to store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent everything from getting mushy.
Time-Saving Tricks
Using a food processor for the pesto blitzes through the prep, and I often employ frozen peas or spinach to toss in for extra nutrition without having to chop greens. Also, try cooking the pasta while the salmon is baking—that multitasking really keeps things on track!
Common Mistakes
A common pitfall is overcooking the salmon; it should be flaky but still moist. I remember the first time I made this and left it in the oven too long—I ended up with dry fish! Adding the pesto too early can also lead to separation, so it’s best to mix it through just before serving. If you find your sauce too thick, a splash of pasta water can help easily loosen things up.
What to Serve It With
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. A warm, crusty bread also provides the perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover pesto sauce.
Tips & Mistakes
One tip I have learned is to always taste your pesto before adding it to the pasta—sometimes, a little extra salt or a dash of Parmesan can elevate the flavors immensely.
Storage Tips
Store in airtight containers in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, but if you sneak a bite cold straight from the container, it still works.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to swap the salmon for shrimp or chicken if that’s more your style! Additionally, using whole wheat pasta can add a lovely nuttiness to the dish, and experimenting with different greens like spinach or kale in the pesto can give a fresh twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Delish Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta You can substitute with any pasta you prefer.
- 2 filet salmon fillets Fresh or frozen works well.
- 1 cup pesto sauce Store-bought or homemade pesto is great.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved for better flavor distribution.
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese Grated, for serving.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the salmon.
- 0.25 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.25 tsp black pepper Freshly ground for better flavor.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside while reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper, and place them skin-side down in the skillet.
- Cook the salmon for about 6-7 minutes until cooked through, then gently flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before flaking it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the reserved pasta water and pesto sauce. Stir well, then toss in the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes, mixing until evenly coated.
- Finally, gently fold the flaked salmon into the pasta, serving warm with a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top.