Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe is a delicious, satisfying dish that combines the richness of salmon with the vibrant flavors of pesto. It’s the perfect meal for busy weekdays or casual gatherings, offering simplicity without sacrificing taste. This recipe allows for customization, letting you add your favorite vegetables or adjust the level of seasoning.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 510
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Why Make Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe
This Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe showcases the nutritious qualities of salmon, which is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It’s a fantastic choice for a healthy meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare. Besides being delicious, this dish’s versatility means you can easily adapt it to feature different herbs, vegetables, or types of pasta, making it a family favorite.
How to Make Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
- 9 oz (250g) spaghetti
- 10-14 oz (300-400g) raw salmon (boneless, skin on or off depending on your preference)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup pecorino cheese or parmesan (plus more for serving)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon for serving
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for roasting the salmon. Wash and dry the salmon, then cut it into even pieces approximately 1 ½ inches in size. Place the pieces in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil to the salmon pieces and toss them to coat evenly. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt over the salmon and toss again until well coated. Refrigerate until ready to cook. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Arrange the seasoned salmon pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Roast in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until cooked through and flaky. After draining and rinsing the pasta (reserving some cooking water), return it to the pot. Add 1/2 cup pesto sauce, a splash of reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup pecorino cheese, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Plate the pesto pasta and top it with the roasted salmon pieces. Garnish with extra black pepper, additional pecorino cheese, and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
How to Serve Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe
For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing the Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe with a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread can also complement the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
How to Store Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out. If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze the pasta without the salmon and pesto for up to 2 months; however, the texture may not be as fresh after thawing.
Expert Tips for Cooking Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the step of reserving pasta water; it helps achieve a creamy sauce.
- Experiment with different pestos, such as sun-dried tomato or basil for a unique twist.
- Perfectly roast the salmon without overcooking by checking for flakiness around the 6-minute mark.
- Add seasonal vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or spinach, during the final toss for added nutrition.
Delicious Variations of Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe
Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto. For a herby version, incorporate fresh basil or parsley to the dish before serving. If you want to keep it vegetarian, swap the salmon for sautéed mushrooms or grilled eggplant, and use a dairy-free pesto for a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe. It combines wonderful flavors and textures in a simple, homestyle dish that everyone will love. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe will satisfy and impress.
Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan
Ingredients
Pasta and Salmon
- 9 oz spaghetti
- 10-14 oz raw salmon (boneless, skin on or off) Depending on your preference
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup pecorino cheese or parmesan Plus more for serving
- Freshly ground black pepper To taste
- 1/2 unit lemon For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the salmon, then cut it into even pieces approximately 1 ½ inches in size.
- In a medium bowl, coat the salmon pieces with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions (about 11-13 minutes) until al dente, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Cooking
- Arrange the seasoned salmon pieces on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- After draining and rinsing the pasta, return it to the pot, and add 1/2 cup of pesto sauce, a splash of reserved pasta water, and 1/4 cup of pecorino cheese. Toss gently to combine.
Plating
- Plate the pesto pasta and top it with the roasted salmon pieces. Garnish with extra black pepper, additional pecorino cheese, and lemon wedges.
