This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a quick, protein-packed meal that combines flavorful salmon with a creamy pesto sauce. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and feels like a restaurant-quality dish made at home. With the added freshness of cherry tomatoes and the richness of the pesto, this meal is sure to impress!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta

• 8 ounces salmon (about 2 fillets)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, minced

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• ⅓ cup pesto

• ½ lemon (for squeezing over the pasta)

Directions

1. Prep the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

2. Cook the Salmon:
   Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside to cool slightly. Remove the skin and break it up into pieces.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the minced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, until they start to pop. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce:
   To the same skillet, add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Add the pesto and mix until smooth.

5. Combine:
   Add the cooked pasta, vegetables, and salmon to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the pesto sauce. Squeeze half a lemon over the pasta and toss again to combine.

6. Serve:
   Plate the pasta and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 577 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 75g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 19g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

• Trans Fat: 0.1g

• Cholesterol: 41mg

• Sodium: 256mg

• Potassium: 815mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 8g

• Vitamin A: 1115 IU

• Vitamin C: 36mg

• Calcium: 98mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Salmon Pesto Pasta Is So Special

This recipe is special because it takes a few common ingredients and transforms them into a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. The salmon is cooked perfectly, golden on the outside and tender inside, while the pesto sauce adds an aromatic, fresh element with its basil, garlic, and pine nuts. The addition of cherry tomatoes adds a juicy sweetness and color that balances the richness of the pesto sauce.

Furthermore, this dish is budget-friendly yet feels elegant. Penne pasta serves as the base, soaking up the creamy pesto sauce, and the lemon adds a bright, zesty finish that ties everything together. The result is a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

The Cooking Process: Simple Yet Flavorful

Here’s a breakdown of how to make Salmon Pesto Pasta in just a few simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as this will help you achieve the perfect creamy consistency for your pesto sauce.

2. Cook the Salmon: While the pasta is cooking, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the salmon aside to cool slightly. Afterward, remove the skin and break it up into bite-sized pieces.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced onion and sauté it for 3 minutes until softened. Then, toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, until they start to pop and release their juices.

4. Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream (or half-and-half) and ½ cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir and bring it to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, mix in the pesto and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, salmon, and vegetables to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and salmon in the rich, creamy sauce. Squeeze half a lemon over the top and toss again to combine the flavors.

6. Serve: Plate the pasta and serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon Pesto Pasta

This Salmon Pesto Pasta is not only delicious but also nutrient-dense. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional components:

• Protein: With 25 grams of protein per serving, the salmon in this dish provides a high-quality protein source, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.

• Healthy Fats: The dish contains 19 grams of fat, including healthy fats from the salmon and olive oil. These fats are important for heart health and brain function.

• Fiber: With 5 grams of fiber from the pasta, vegetables, and pesto, this dish supports healthy digestion.

• Vitamins: The vitamin A (1115 IU) from the salmon and pesto, along with vitamin C (36 mg) from the cherry tomatoes and lemon, supports a strong immune system, healthy skin, and improved vision.

• Minerals: The dish provides calcium (98 mg) and iron (3 mg), essential for bone health and oxygen transport.

The pasta’s relatively low sugar (8 grams) and moderate sodium (256 mg) make this dish a balanced choice that’s flavorful but not overly salty.

Customizing Your Salmon Pesto Pasta

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

• Use a Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of salmon, feel free to swap it out for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk, and use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a low-carb option.

• Add More Veggies: You can easily add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli to the dish to boost its nutritional content. These veggies would complement the pesto sauce nicely and add extra fiber.

• Change the Pasta: While penne is used in the recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as farfalle, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Serving Suggestions

While Salmon Pesto Pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, here are a few great side dish ideas to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta, soaking up the pesto sauce.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta and add a refreshing contrast.

• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasting some asparagus, brussels sprouts, or carrots with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for a healthy and flavorful side.

Conclusion

Salmon Pesto Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings together tender salmon, creamy pesto, and al dente pasta in a perfect harmony of taste and texture. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners but fancy enough to serve for special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a crowd, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors, nutrient-packed ingredients, and simple preparation. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal made at home in no time!