Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta is a flavorful, elegant meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. It pairs tender, pan-seared salmon with a vibrant, creamy pesto sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. The combination of rich cream, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil pesto creates a balanced dish that satisfies every bite. Whether you’re using jarred pesto or making your own, this recipe delivers freshness and indulgence in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
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8 ounces uncooked penne (or your preferred pasta)
Salmon
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1 pound fresh salmon (skinless or with skin)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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Flour, for dredging
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
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⅓ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
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⅓ cup pesto (homemade or jarred)
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¼ cup heavy cream
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½ teaspoon lemon juice
Optional
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
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Cook the pasta
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare and cook the salmon
Pat the salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge lightly in flour on all sides.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Cook the salmon for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. -
Make the sauce
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. Let the sauce simmer and bubble for 1 minute. -
Combine salmon and sauce
Return the salmon to the pan, breaking it into bite-sized chunks. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes, until thickened and the salmon is fully cooked. -
Toss with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
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Calories: 515 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Protein: 37g
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Fat: 30g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Cholesterol: 96mg
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Sodium: 635mg
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Potassium: 890mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 3g
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Vitamin A: 420 IU
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Vitamin C: 8mg
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Calcium: 120mg
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Iron: 2mg
Why This Dish Works
This recipe hits multiple culinary high notes:
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Texture: The contrast of al dente pasta, tender salmon, and smooth sauce provides a satisfying mouthfeel with each bite.
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Flavor harmony: Earthy basil, creamy dairy, and umami-rich salmon balance each other with neither overpowering the other.
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Speed and ease: Despite tasting restaurant-quality, it comes together quickly and with minimal fuss, making it ideal for weeknights.
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Versatility: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what’s available or your dietary needs (more on that below).
Pesto: The Heart of the Sauce
While the salmon provides protein and richness, the pesto is what brings vibrancy to the dish. Traditional basil pesto is made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil — ingredients that deliver bold herbal notes and a lush texture. When combined with cream and broth, pesto transforms into a sauce that is both comforting and sophisticated.
You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but homemade pesto takes the dish to another level. If you opt for homemade, consider variations like spinach pesto, arugula pesto, or sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist. Each version offers its own unique flavor profile, giving you plenty of room to personalize the dish.
Nutritional Considerations
From a nutrition standpoint, this dish offers a balanced combination of macronutrients:
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Protein: Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
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Healthy Fats: The olive oil in the pesto and the omega-3s from the salmon provide healthy fats that support overall wellness.
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Carbohydrates: The pasta serves as the energy foundation of the dish. For added fiber and nutrients, consider using whole wheat or legume-based pasta.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The dish includes vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium, making it as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Although it’s not a low-calorie meal, it’s nutrient-dense and filling, which helps with portion control and satiety.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best aspects of Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta is its flexibility. Depending on your preferences or dietary needs, you can tailor the recipe in several ways:
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream and opt for a dairy-free pesto.
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Low-Carb: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles for a lighter option.
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Vegetarian: Replace the salmon with sautéed mushrooms, grilled tofu, or even roasted vegetables for a plant-based twist.
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Gluten-Free: Choose certified gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for dredging the salmon.
The ability to customize makes this recipe accessible to a wide range of home cooks and dietary lifestyles.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
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Salad: A crisp arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
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Garlic bread: A slice of toasted garlic bread helps mop up any leftover sauce — because you won’t want to waste a drop.
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Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli roasted with olive oil and garlic make excellent companions.
For wine lovers, pair this pasta with a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness and complements the herbal flavors of the pesto.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
Though best served fresh, this dish holds up reasonably well for meal prep:
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Make-Ahead: You can prep the pesto and even sear the salmon a few hours ahead. Just reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
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Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce.
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Freezing: While cooked salmon and cream sauces don’t freeze perfectly, the pesto can be frozen in portions for future quick meals.
Why It Belongs in Your Recipe Repertoire
Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta is the kind of dish that brings a touch of luxury to the everyday table. It showcases how a few high-quality ingredients can come together in a way that feels both comforting and gourmet. It’s also a great example of how to use pantry staples like pasta and pesto creatively, with a protein that many of us aim to eat more of.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a delicious solo dinner, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and elegance.
Conclusion
In today’s busy world, recipes that offer both flavor and convenience are priceless — and Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta checks all the right boxes. It’s an adaptable, nourishing, and downright delicious dish that can elevate an ordinary evening into something special. With its blend of creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and flaky salmon, this pasta proves that gourmet flavor doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a reliable go-to recipe that impresses without stress, this is it. Add it to your meal plan, bookmark it for your next dinner party, or make it just because you deserve something amazing. Either way, your plate — and your guests — will thank you.