There’s something about twirling a fork into a creamy, green-speckled bowl of Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta that just feels like summer. This cozy-fancy dinner is making the rounds again on Pinterest, and it’s no wonder why. It’s rich, herby, and comes together in under 30 minutes. And it’s got that “looks like I tried way harder than I did” magicideal for a weeknight win.
This dish is velvety and brightwith flaky salmon, garlic pesto, and pasta all cooked up in one pan. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas where everything gets tossed together and still tastes like a weekend treat. Think healthy salmon recipes that don’t skimp on flavor. Full details in the blog!
I used to make a version of this with my grandmabasil from the garden, fish from the market. Now I’ve tested it with a creamy twist that keeps it light but luscious. One pan. No fuss. Just wait till you taste the little trick hiding in the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta
This recipe is a triple threat: cozy, quick, and so impressive it feels like a weekend splurgeexcept it’s weeknight easy! If you’ve been on the hunt for quick dinner ideas, this is the one-pan magic you need in your life.
One pan & minimal cleanup: No mountains of dishes herecook the salmon and sauce in the same skillet.
Healthy & flavorful: Loaded with protein-packed salmon and fresh pesto, it’s a lighter twist on indulgent pasta.
Family-friendly comfort: Creamy, herby, and comforting without being overly heavyeveryone will ask for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutes
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy salmon pasta recipe, plus a few notes to make it work with what you have:
Pasta: Penne is idealholds sauce like a dreambut feel free to swap with linguine or fusilli for a fun twist.
Salmon: Fresh is best for juicy, flake-apart pieces. Skinless filet works easiest, but if yours has skin? Cook it up and peel it off later.
Pesto: Store-bought keeps this recipe fast, but homemade fresh basil pesto brings extra summer vibes.
Heavy cream: Adds that luscious texture to your sauce without overwhelming it. Need a lighter option? Half-and-half works in a pinch!
Pro Tip: Grating fresh Parmesan over the top takes this from simple to wow-worthy in seconds.
Step-by-Step: Making Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta
Let’s break this down into easy, beginner-friendly steps so dinner feels as effortless as it is delicious:
Cook the pasta: Boil your penne in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente. Don’t skip the saltthis is your first layer of seasoning! Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each fillet in about 1-2 tablespoons of flour, tapping off any excess. This helps create a beautiful golden crust.
Pan-sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (or slightly undercooked if you prefer, as it will finish in the sauce). Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Make the sauce: Carefully pour out any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just the flavorful browned bits. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in ½ cup of chicken broth and ¼ cup of pesto, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 1 minute until it slightly thickens.
Combine & serve: Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized chunks using a fork. Return the salmon to the pan and gently stir it into the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle generously with fresh Parmesan cheese and serve immediately!
Quick Cooking Time Breakdown
Step
Time
Boil pasta
10 minutes
Sear salmon
6 minutes
Make sauce
2 minutes
Combine everything
5 minutes
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep your creamy salmon pesto pasta just as delicious the next day:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pop it in the microwave or warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not recommendedthe cream-based sauce may separate and lose its luscious texture when thawed.
Pro Tip: Reheat over low heat and add a spoonful of pesto to refresh that summery flavor.
Expert Insight: The Perfect Balance in Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta
The secret to creating truly irresistible creamy salmon pesto pasta lies in striking the perfect balance. Gently folding the sauce is key to preserving its silky consistency while ensuring the fresh, vibrant notes of the pesto shine through. This careful approach prevents the sauce from becoming heavy, allowing both the richness of the cream and the brightness of the basil to beautifully complement the natural flavor of the salmon in every forkful.
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The Journey to Perfecting Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta
It took a handful of tests and a few too many tangled noodles before my creamy salmon pesto pasta hit the mark. Through trial and error, I learned how to balance that rich pesto with just the right touch of cream, making this recipe the reliable, comforting dish I’m excited to share today.
FAQs ( Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta )
How do I prevent salmon from overcooking?
Cook salmon gently over medium heat and remove it as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. If adding to the pasta, slightly undercook the fillets since they will finish cooking while mixing with the sauce. This keeps the fish tender and flavorful without drying out.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh to preserve the creamy texture and bright pesto flavor. You can prepare the salmon and pesto sauce separately a day ahead, then toss together just before serving. Reheating gently on low heat keeps the sauce silky without separating.
What pasta works best with this dish?
Medium-width pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the creamy pesto sauce well and pairs nicely with the salmon chunks. You can also use farfalle or fettuccine for a smooth sauce coating. Avoid very thin pasta to ensure the sauce and salmon stay balanced.
How do I keep the pesto sauce fresh and bright?
Joe Rooney
Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe: Irresistibly Quick Dinner
This Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta is a delicious and quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Combining tender salmon with a luscious pesto cream sauce, this dish is a standout among summer pasta recipes. Enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Method
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Pat the salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dredge the salmon lightly in flour on all sides.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the salmon for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Pour out any excess fat from the pan, leaving the browned bits.
Add chicken broth and pesto, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan; cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice; simmer the sauce for 1 minute.
Return the salmon to the pan, breaking it into bite-sized chunks.
Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes until thickened and salmon is fully cooked.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also add fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
