Salmon and Spinach Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy Salmon and Spinach Pesto Pasta, a restaurant-worthy dish you can create at home in just 30 minutes. Combining tender penne pasta with flaky, pan-seared salmon, this recipe is elevated by a luscious basil pesto and heavy cream sauce, infused with the aromatic richness of sautéed garlic and wilted baby spinach. A touch of lemon juice brightens the dish, while grated Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes add the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this quick and easy pasta recipe is a delicious way to bring fresh, wholesome ingredients to your table. Perfect for satisfying seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 12 oz Salmon fillet (skinless)
- 4 cups Baby spinach
- 1 cup Basil pesto
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Remove from the skillet, flake into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Mix until combined and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Stir in the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, and lemon juice. Gently toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
866 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.5 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 95% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 114 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 1406 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 45.5 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.2 mcg | 41% | |
| Calcium | 595 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 644 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
