How to make the Delicious Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe

Salmon pesto pasta is a popular and delicious Italian-inspired dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This savory pasta dish combines the rich and delicate flavor of fresh salmon with the bold and aromatic taste of pesto sauce. The pasta is typically made with fusilli, a spiral-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto the pesto sauce and salmon.

The salmon used in this dish is usually fresh or frozen salmon fillets that are cooked until tender and flaky. The pesto sauce is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, blended together to create a smooth and creamy sauce that adds depth and flavor to the dish.

The combination of salmon and pesto is a perfect pairing that creates a balance of flavors that is both savory and satisfying. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made quickly for a weeknight dinner or served as a more elegant meal for special occasions.

salmon pesto pasta

Recipe of Salmon Pesto Pasta :

Here’s the recipe of salmon pesto pasta are :

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of fusilli pasta
  • 2 salmon fillets (skin removed)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Preheat a pan over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and place the salmon fillets in the pan. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is fully cooked through.
  4. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
  5. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Process until it forms a smooth pesto sauce.
  7. Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the pan with the garlic and stir it well. Add the pesto sauce to the pan and mix it with the pasta.
  8. Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pan with the pasta. Toss everything together until the salmon is evenly distributed.
  9. Serve the salmon pesto pasta hot and enjoy!

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Variations of Salmon Pesto Pasta :

Salmon pesto pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations of the classic recipe that you can try:

  1. Lemon Salmon Pesto Pasta: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the pesto sauce to give it a tangy kick. You can also garnish the dish with some lemon wedges for extra flavor.
  2. Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the pesto sauce to make it creamier and richer. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added texture.
  3. Spicy Salmon Pesto Pasta: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the pesto sauce to give it a spicy kick. You can also garnish the dish with some chopped scallions or cilantro for extra flavor.
  4. Tomato Salmon Pesto Pasta: Add some chopped fresh or canned tomatoes to the pan with the garlic before adding the pesto sauce. This will give the dish a fresh and bright flavor. You can also add some sliced sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  5. Broccoli Salmon Pesto Pasta: Add some steamed or roasted broccoli florets to the pan with the pasta and mix it with the pesto sauce. This will add some color and texture to the dish while also making it more nutritious.
  6. Shrimp Salmon Pesto Pasta: Add some cooked shrimp to the pan with the pasta and mix it with the pesto sauce. This will add some extra protein to the dish while also giving it a seafood twist.

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Tips of Salmon Pesto Pasta :

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect salmon pesto pasta:

  1. Use fresh ingredients: The key to a delicious salmon pesto pasta is to use fresh ingredients. Use fresh salmon, basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts to get the best flavor.
  2. Cook the salmon properly: To get perfectly cooked salmon, make sure to season it with salt and black pepper before cooking it. Cook it on medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is fully cooked through.
  3. Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.
  4. Make the pesto sauce fresh: Homemade pesto sauce is always better than store-bought. Make the pesto sauce fresh using a food processor or blender for the best flavor.
  5. Add some cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers: To add some color and flavor to the dish, you can add some cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the pasta.
  6. Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve some pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the pasta to make the sauce creamier.
  7. Toss the pasta and sauce together: To ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto sauce, toss the pasta and sauce together in the pan.
  8. Serve the dish hot: Salmon pesto pasta is best served hot. Make sure to serve it immediately after preparing it.

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FAQ’s

Q: What kind of salmon should I use for this dish?

A: Fresh or frozen salmon fillets are both great options for this dish. You can also use canned salmon, but the flavor and texture will be different.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! Fusilli pasta works well for this dish, but you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, spaghetti, or linguine.

Q: Can I make the pesto sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the pesto sauce a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the dish, just cook the pasta and salmon and mix everything together.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover pasta?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze the leftover pasta because the texture may become mushy when reheated. It’s best to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days.

Q: Can I substitute the pine nuts with a different type of nut?

A: Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews instead of pine nuts. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the pesto sauce may be slightly different.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

A: Absolutely! This dish is very versatile and you can add other ingredients to it such as cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or spinach.

Q: Is this dish healthy?

A: This dish contains healthy ingredients such as salmon, olive oil, and fresh basil. However, the pesto sauce does contain a fair amount of fat and calories due to the pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. If you’re looking to make a healthier version, you can use less pesto sauce or use a lower-fat version of the cheese.

Conclusion :

Salmon Pesto Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich and delicate flavor of fresh salmon with the bold and aromatic taste of pesto sauce. This Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and can be made quickly for a weeknight dinner or served as a more elegant meal for special occasions.

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