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–+ servings

Salmon Pesto Pasta

A delightful dish that combines tender pasta with flavorful pesto sauce and roasted salmon fillets, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large salmon filets Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor.
  • 1-2 teaspoons olive oil Use extra virgin for a richer taste.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed enhances the dish's brightness.
  • kosher salt Essential for seasoning the salmon perfectly.
  • black pepper Essential for seasoning the salmon perfectly.
  • 8 ounces dried pasta Your choice of pasta shapes works well here.
  • 2/3 cup pesto Jarred or homemade, either option is delicious.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a savory depth to the sauce.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the salmon filets on top, skin-side down if they have skin. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle them with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Roast the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in a cold oven and close the door. Turn the oven on to 400 degrees F and set a timer for 20 minutes to roast the salmon gently until cooked through.
  3. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the salmon for doneness; it should flake easily when pressed with a fork and have an internal temperature nearing 145 degrees F in its thickest part.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the salmon cooks, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to package directions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return drained pasta to the pot and add pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients; if you prefer a looser sauce, gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
  6. Finish and Serve: Using a fork, break up the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces. You can either mix it into the pasta in the pot or serve it separately on top of each serving of pasta for an elegant presentation. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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