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Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 51 reviews

This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining perfectly cooked salmon with al dente spaghetti and a creamy, aromatic pesto sauce. Enhanced with cajun seasoning for a subtle kick and finished with pecorino cheese, this meal is a delightful fusion of fresh seafood and Italian flavors, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 9 oz (250g) spaghetti

Salmon

  • 10-14 oz (300-400g) raw salmon (boneless, skin on or off depending on your preference)
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tsp cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Sauce and Garnish

  • ½ cup pesto sauce
  • ¼ cup pecorino cheese or parmesan (plus more for serving)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ lemon for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Rub the salmon evenly with avocado oil, cajun seasoning, and sea salt to coat well.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down if skin is on. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is mostly cooked through. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let rest briefly, then flake into large chunks.
  4. Toss Pasta with Pesto: In the same pot or a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the pesto sauce. Stir well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Combine Salmon and Pasta: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the pesto-coated spaghetti. Sprinkle the pecorino cheese over the top and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all elements without breaking up the salmon too much.
  6. Serve: Divide the salmon pesto pasta onto plates. Add an additional sprinkle of pecorino cheese if desired and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each serving for brightness. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use skin-on salmon for added texture and flavor, but skinless works just fine if preferred.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the pesto sauce consistency as needed.
  • For a spicier twist, increase the cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes.
  • Parmesan cheese is a suitable substitute for pecorino if needed.
  • This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

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