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Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 10 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta recipe featuring tender seared salmon, tossed in a rich pesto cream sauce with a hint of lemon, served over perfectly cooked al dente pasta. This dish combines simple ingredients for a quick yet indulgent dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Salmon and Coating

  • 1 pound fresh salmon
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Flour for dredging

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1/3 cup pesto (homemade or your favorite jarred variety)
  • 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

To Serve

  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a salted pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Sprinkle the salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat it evenly with flour on all sides to create a light dredge.
  3. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes per side until it is lightly golden and just cooked on the outside.
  4. Remove and Set Aside: Take the skillet off the heat. Transfer the salmon to a plate, leaving the browned bits in the pan. Carefully pour out excess fat but do not wipe the pan.
  5. Make the Sauce Base: Add the chicken broth (or white wine) and pesto to the skillet. Return the pan to the burner and cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let the sauce bubble gently for about a minute to combine flavors and start thickening.
  7. Finish Cooking Salmon in Sauce: Return the salmon to the skillet and break it into pieces using your spoon. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the creamy pesto sauce and salmon pieces.
  9. Serve: Plate the pasta and serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Do not substitute cream with milk or half-and-half, as the sauce may curdle and lose richness.
  • If your jarred pesto already contains lemon, you may skip adding additional lemon juice to avoid overpowering citrus flavor.
  • If using salmon with skin and you prefer not to eat it, peel off the skin easily after removing the salmon from the pan.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/salmon-pesto-pasta-recipe/