Description
Salmon Pesto Pasta is a creamy and satisfying pasta dish made with tender salmon, basil pesto, and a smooth cream based sauce. This recipe brings together rich flavors and simple techniques to create a comforting meal that feels elegant yet approachable. Perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed gatherings, it delivers balanced taste, freshness, and hearty texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Uncooked pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine
Fresh salmon fillet with skin removed
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
All purpose flour
Olive oil
Butter
Chicken broth such as Pacific Foods Organic Chicken Broth or Swanson Chicken Broth
Basil pesto
Heavy whipping cream
Lemon juice
Freshly grated cheese such as Cabot Parmesan or Tillamook Parmesan Style Cheese
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente then drain and set aside
2. Pat the salmon dry and season with garlic powder salt and black pepper then lightly coat all sides with flour
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a wide skillet over medium high heat until melted and hot
4. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook until lightly golden on both sides then transfer to a plate
5. Carefully pour excess fat from the skillet while keeping the browned bits on the bottom
6. Return the skillet to the heat and add the chicken broth and pesto stirring and scraping the pan
7. Pour in the cream and lemon juice and allow the sauce to gently bubble until slightly thickened
8. Add the salmon back to the skillet breaking it into large pieces and let it cook gently until tender
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce
10. Taste and adjust seasoning then serve warm with grated cheese if desired
Notes
Salmon Pesto Pasta works best with fresh salmon that holds its shape during cooking
The light flour coating helps the salmon brown evenly and improves sauce texture
Lemon juice should be used sparingly to enhance freshness without overpowering the pesto
If the sauce thickens too much add a small splash of pasta water or broth
Freshly grated cheese blends better and provides smoother flavor than pre shredded varieties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian