This Salmon Pesto Pasta comes together quickly with minimal ingredients for a flavour-filled, easy weeknight dinner. Luscious soft flakes of baked salmon, al dente pasta and a creamy pesto sauce are all you need.
For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 140C / 285F 120C fan forced. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil.
Brush the melted butter over the flesh side of the salmon, then sprinkle over ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until just cooked through (check the flesh in the thickest part is coming apart in flakes without too much pressure or the internal temperature is 50C / 120F)
Cook the pasta in a saucepan of boiling salted water, to packet directions. Reserve ⅓ cup of the pasta water then drain the pasta and run under cold water. Set aside.
Using a saute pan or the same large saucepan, stir together the oil, pesto, cream and reserved pasta water over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Add the pine nuts and half of the parmesan, stirring to combine.
Taste the sauce and season to taste using the remaining salt and pepper.
Gently pull the salmon into large flakes with the side of a fork or the flat of a knife. Set aside for a moment.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine then cook until heated through again.
Add the flaked salmon and stir gently so you don't break it up too much.
Serve immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan, and basil leaves.
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Notes
Full fat or reduced fat cream will both work.
You can use salmon with or without the skin. Once baked the flesh will come away from the skin easily
Season the sauce to your taste. I find the amount of salt in the recipe perfect but you may want more or less and the saltiness of your pesto will also contribute to this.
You can cook the salmon ahead of time 1-2 days and store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Have you tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.