This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner made with tender roasted salmon, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal that feels restaurant-worthy while using simple, everyday ingredients.
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Salmon Pesto Pasta
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner made with tender roasted salmon, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal that feels restaurant-worthy while using simple, everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne rigate, rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi pasta
- 1 pound salmon filet
- 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast salmon for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Let pasta cool for 1–2 minutes before adding pesto and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Flake the roasted salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Divide pasta among serving bowls and top with salmon.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, or lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
Don’t add pesto to extremely hot pasta, as it may lose its bright green color.
Reserve extra pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best texture and flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
