Salmon Pesto Pasta: 15-Minute Recipe for Busy Weeknights

I can confidently say that salmon pesto pasta has become my go-to dish for impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Picture this: perfectly flaked salmon nestled in a bed of al dente pasta, all enveloped in a vibrant, aromatic pesto sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes people think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it’s one of the most straightforward dishes you’ll ever make.

Salmon Pesto Pasta

A delicious and easy-to-make salmon pesto pasta featuring flaked salmon, al dente pasta, and a vibrant homemade pesto sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4 people

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Skillet or frying pan
• Food processor (for homemade pesto)
• Spatula
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets fresh or smoked
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup pine nuts toasted for extra flavor
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta fusilli, penne, orecchiette, farfalle, or rigatoni
• 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

 

Preparing the Salmon:

• Let salmon fillets come to room temperature.
• Pat them dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook salmon skin-side up for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Remove from heat and flake into bite-sized pieces.

Making the Pesto:

• Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden.
• In a food processor, pulse garlic and pine nuts until finely chopped.
• Add fresh basil and pulse until coarsely blended.
• With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.

Bringing It All Together:

• Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente.
• Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Return pasta to the pot and mix in pesto with a splash of pasta water.
• Gently fold in the flaked salmon.
• Adjust seasoning and sauce consistency as needed.

Notes

• For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream.
• Add veggies like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
• Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently with a bit of water to prevent drying out.

Keyword pesto pasta, salmon, salmon pesto pasta

Why Salmon Pesto Pasta Should Be Your Next Dinner Choice

Let’s be honest – after a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where salmon and pesto pasta comes in as your culinary savior. This fish with pesto pasta combination isn’t just delicious; it’s a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates that’ll keep you satisfied and energized.

What I love most about smoked salmon pesto pasta (or any variation of salmon pasta with pesto) is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a sophisticated dinner party, this dish always delivers. Does pesto go with salmon? Absolutely – and I’m about to show you why it’s a match made in culinary heaven.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dish

The Salmon

When it comes to salmon pesto pasta, the quality of your salmon matters. I prefer wild-caught salmon for its rich flavor and firm texture, but farm-raised works well too. Here’s what to look for:

• Fresh salmon with bright, moist flesh
• No strong fishy smell
• Firm to the touch
• Even coloring throughout

The Pesto

While store-bought pesto can work in a pinch, nothing beats homemade. Here’s my foolproof basic pesto recipe:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ⅓ cup pine nuts (toast them for extra flavor!)
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Pasta

For salmon and pesto pasta, I recommend short pasta shapes that can hold the sauce well. My top choices are:

1. Fusilli
2. Penne
3. Orecchiette
4. Farfalle
5. Rigatoni

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Preparing the Salmon

1. Start with room temperature salmon fillets
2. Pat dry with paper towels
3. Season generously with salt and pepper
4. Heat olive oil in a pan until shimmering
5. Cook skin-side up for 4 minutes
6. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes

Pro tip: For smoked salmon pesto pasta, simply flake the smoked salmon and add it at the end – no cooking required!

Making the Perfect Pesto

If you’re going homemade (which I highly recommend), follow these steps:

1. Toast pine nuts until golden
2. Pulse garlic and pine nuts in a food processor
3. Add basil and pulse until coarsely chopped
4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil
5. Add Parmesan and season to taste

Bringing It All Together

Here’s where the magic happens. Your fish with pesto pasta comes together in these final steps:

1. Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water
3. Drain pasta and return to pot
4. Add pesto and a splash of pasta water
5. Gently fold in salmon
6. Adjust seasoning and sauce consistency

Creative Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to your salmon pasta with pesto for a Mediterranean twist.

Creamy Version

Stir in a touch of heavy cream to create a richer sauce for your salmon pesto pasta.

Veggie-Packed

Include sautéed asparagus, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Make-Ahead Tips

While salmon pesto pasta is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead:

1. Make pesto up to 3 days in advance
2. Cook pasta and store with a bit of olive oil
3. Prepare salmon up to 24 hours before
4. Assemble just before serving

Nutritional Benefits

Your salmon pesto pasta isn’t just delicious – it’s nutritious too:

• Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon
• Healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts
• Complex carbohydrates from pasta
• Antioxidants from fresh basil

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the salmon
2. Using too little pasta water
3. Not seasoning the pasta water
4. Adding too much pesto
5. Overworking the pesto in the food processor

Storage and Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh, your salmon pesto pasta can be stored:

• In an airtight container
• For up to 2 days in the refrigerator
• Reheat gently with a splash of water
• Don’t freeze assembled dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make salmon pesto pasta gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The dish works beautifully with rice, corn, or quinoa-based pasta.

What type of salmon is best for this recipe? Wild-caught salmon is ideal for its rich flavor and firm texture, but any high-quality salmon will work well.

How long does it take to prepare salmon pesto pasta? The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade? Absolutely! Choose a high-quality brand for best results. Fresh refrigerated pesto typically tastes better than shelf-stable versions.

What pasta shapes work best for salmon pesto pasta? Short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but any pasta shape can work.

How much pesto should I add? Start with ¾ cup of pesto for every 12 ounces of dry pasta, then adjust to taste. You can always add more!

Can I add vegetables to the dish? Yes! Asparagus, spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance? While components can be prepped ahead, final assembly is best done just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

What can I substitute for chicken broth in the sauce? Vegetable broth or even pasta cooking water can work as alternatives.

How should leftovers be stored? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Creating the perfect salmon pesto pasta isn’t just about following a recipe – it’s about understanding how these incredible ingredients work together. Whether you’re making smoked salmon pesto pasta for a quick lunch or preparing a elaborate dinner version, the key is quality ingredients and careful attention to technique.

Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of fish with pesto pasta until you find your perfect combination. The beauty of salmon and pesto pasta lies in its flexibility – it’s nearly impossible to go wrong when you start with good ingredients and follow these guidelines.

Ready to try your hand at this delicious dish? Give it a go, and don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this guide, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.