Print

Salmon Pesto Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and flavorful salmon pesto pasta featuring tender salmon, rich basil pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is fresh, comforting, and feels gourmet with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or linguine)
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, spinach or arugula

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Add cherry tomatoes and/or greens if using, and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
  7. Flake the salmon into large chunks and gently fold into the pasta mixture.
  8. Finish with lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and optional fresh basil or red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use leftover or canned salmon for convenience—just flake and add at the end.
  • Try smoked salmon for a richer flavor.
  • For a creamy version, stir in a spoonful of cream or cream cheese with the pesto.
  • Great as a cold pasta salad the next day.
  • Gluten-free or zucchini noodles can be substituted for pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/salmon-pesto-pasta/