Description
This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender chunks of pan-seared salmon with a creamy pesto sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delightful weeknight meal that balances rich, savory flavors with a hint of lemon freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Salmon
- 1 pound fresh salmon
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Garnish
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Salmon: Season the salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat the salmon on all sides with flour.
- Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for about 3 minutes per side until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Pour off excess fat but retain the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Make Sauce Base: Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the chicken broth and pesto. Cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up the browned bits from the pan to incorporate their flavor.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let the sauce bubble gently for about a minute to thicken slightly.
- Finish Sauce with Salmon: Add the salmon back to the skillet, breaking it into pieces with a spoon. Reduce heat and cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the salmon pesto sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and salmon, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use your favorite pesto, whether homemade or store-bought, to customize flavor.
- Lemon juice adds a fresh brightness to balance the richness of the cream and salmon.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon to maintain its tender texture.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty, savory finish.
