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    Home » Fish & Seafood

    Salmon Pesto Pasta

    Published: Apr 6, 2020 / Updated: Jul 14, 2020 / 94 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This salmon pesto pasta recipe comes together fast and makes an elegant meal that's great for a quick weeknight dinner. You can either use jarred or homemade pesto.

    salmon pesto pasta (with penne)

    This salmon pasta with pesto took me a couple of tries to get right. Pesto can be quite oily, so I had to be careful with what I cooked the salmon in as well as how much cream I added. I think cream makes pretty much any sauce taste better, but I will say that for this recipe you can just leave it out if you prefer. Pesto can be quite strong, and the cream mellows it out a bit. 

    I prefer using homemade pesto in this recipe, but I totally get that it's not always practical or convenient to make it (like when it's not basil season, for example). I rarely buy jarred pesto, so I don't have any particular brand loyalty at this point, but I recommend using something you love since the pesto flavor really shines in this recipe.

    Love pesto? Try my Creamy Pesto Shrimp Gnocchi.

    uncooked salmon coated in flour for salmon pesto pasta

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • You can buy salmon with the skin on or already removed. If you bought salmon with the skin on and don't want to eat it, you can simply peel it off after you've done the searing step. 
    • I don't recommend subbing the cream for anything else like half-and-half or milk because the acid in the sauce is likely to make it curdle. Coconut milk will make it too oily, so just leave the cream out if need be (you can always add more pesto to the sauce if you want).
    • Some jarred pestos can already be quite lemony, so keep that in mind. You may not need to add the extra lemon juice to the recipe.
    • Feel free to use any kind of pasta for this recipe.
    • If you're looking to add some extra veggies to this pesto salmon pasta, chopped asparagus would be a nice addition. You could sear some for 5 minutes or so (until it's tender crisp) after you've seared the salmon, then add it back into the pan at the same time as the salmon. 

    close-up of creamy salmon pesto pasta

    More salmon pasta recipes you'll love:

    • Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta
    • Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta
    • Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
    • Salmon Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce

    basil pesto salmon pasta in two bowls

    Will you give this creamy salmon pesto pasta recipe a try?

    Questions? Leave me a comment below. If you made this recipe, tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram so I can see it!

    salmon pesto pasta (with penne)

    Salmon Pesto Pasta

    This salmon pesto pasta recipe comes together fast and makes an elegant meal that's great for a quick weeknight dinner. You can either use jarred or homemade pesto.
    4.92 from 35 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 567 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound fresh salmon
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Flour for dredging
    • 1/3 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
    • 1/3 cup pesto (click for my recipe or use your fav jarred variety)
    • 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice optional
    • Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional
    • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

    Instructions
     

    • Boil a salted pot of water for your pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
    • Sprinkle the salmon with the garlic powder and some salt & pepper. Coat it in flour on all sides.
    • In a skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 3 minutes/side until lightly golden.
    • Take the pan off the heat. Remove the salmon to a plate and set aside. Pour the fat out of the skillet, but leave the nice browned bits that are stuck on the bottom of the pan (don't wipe the pan out).
    • Add the chicken broth and pesto and return the pan to the burner. Cook for about 30 seconds while scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Add in the cream and lemon juice and let the sauce bubble for about a minute. Add the salmon back in and break it into pieces with your spoon. Reduce the heat and let it gently cook for another 5 minutes or so (the sauce will thicken up as well).
    • Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

    Notes

    • I don't recommend subbing the cream for milk or half-and-half because the sauce won't be the same, and they are likely to curdle. You can leave it out if you need to.
    • The lemon juice is optional because some jarred pestos already have lemon in it, and the sauce can end up too tangy.  
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 567kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 32gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 349mgPotassium: 709mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 768IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword salmon pesto pasta
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Creamy Pasta Primavera
    Easy Homemade Croutons (Garlic & Parmesan) »

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    1. Kristina says

      December 11, 2022 at 6:50 PM

      5 stars
      I made this for a small dinner party tonight. Not only were there no leftovers our guests were scraping tiny bits from the bowl and serving spoon. Your recipes always make me look like a good cook …though I do give you credit 😊 Thanks!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 11, 2022 at 9:11 PM

        That's so nice to hear haha! I love that. 😀 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    2. Christina Gaudreau says

      November 10, 2022 at 4:03 PM

      5 stars
      This is FABULOUS! My husband, son and I practically licked our plates. Lol I wouldn't change a thing about it. Yum!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        November 10, 2022 at 6:19 PM

        Haha I love that! Thanks so much, Christina!

        Reply
    3. Shirley says

      September 14, 2022 at 5:49 AM

      4 stars
      This was a hit for dinner last night. The only thing I would change next time is to reduce the ratio of chicken broth to pesto. I would prefer to have a little more of the pesto flavor.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 14, 2022 at 11:22 AM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Yup, you could definitely tweak it a bit next time.

        Reply
    4. Leigh says

      August 30, 2022 at 8:45 AM

      Hello, Has anyone tried freezing the left overs, how did that turn out?

      Reply
    5. Carly says

      August 27, 2022 at 2:39 PM

      I've made this recipe 5 times in the past few weeks since I discovered it. We've had it with salmon, pork sausages, steak, shrimp and chicken, and it was absolutely delicious every time. Want to try paneer some time too. I've been adding baby spinach and brocolli which is great. This one is a go to for my family now. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 27, 2022 at 4:06 PM

        I love those ideas!! So happy it's a new favorite, Carly! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Frances says

      April 16, 2022 at 11:02 AM

      5 stars
      Just made this. YUM 😋 it was delicious and my hubby gave 9.5 out of 10 cos I didn’t have Parmesan 🤣
      Definitely be making this again. I did add onion n mushroom 👍

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 16, 2022 at 12:41 PM

        Haha I'm so glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    7. Rochelle says

      March 28, 2022 at 9:43 PM

      This was delicious!! I added asparagus and our family devoured this dish. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 29, 2022 at 9:56 AM

        That's great!! Thanks for your review, Rochelle!

        Reply
    8. Holly D. says

      March 9, 2022 at 10:37 PM

      This is easily one of the most delicious recipes ive ever made! <3 I also added some lemon zest at the end. CHEFS KISS!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 10, 2022 at 11:43 AM

        I'm thrilled you enjoyed it, Holly!! 😀 Love the lemon zest idea!

        Reply
    9. Jordan says

      January 10, 2022 at 4:55 PM

      5 stars
      A weeknight rotation in my house. I’ve made this several times and my whole family loves it. I even double the sauce and noodles sometimes to ensure leftovers. Also, so easy to add veg to. We’ve tried and loved spinach, asparagus, and broccoli so far.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 10, 2022 at 5:15 PM

        That's so nice to hear, Jordan!! Thanks for taking the time to write me a review. 😀

        Reply
    10. Nadine says

      November 11, 2021 at 5:35 PM

      4 stars
      I used leftover cooked salmon fillets, 2% milk and light sour cream, equal amounts. I just heated up the pesto, milk and sour cream very slowly after adding it cold in a pan. No curdling, delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 11, 2021 at 5:48 PM

        Glad it worked out!

        Reply
    11. Adam says

      October 29, 2021 at 2:50 PM

      Could you sub mahi mahi for salmon?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 29, 2021 at 3:25 PM

        Sure!

        Reply
        • Adam says

          October 29, 2021 at 5:51 PM

          5 stars
          It was amazing with mahi mahi! And so easy to make with great directions!

          Reply
          • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

            October 29, 2021 at 7:21 PM

            That's wonderful to hear, Adam!!

            Reply
    12. Robyn says

      October 16, 2021 at 5:02 PM

      Made this tonight—and honestly, salmon and pesto are a match made in heaven. I substituted carrot noodles at the last minute (hubby and I both need to monitor our carb intake—we aren’t as young as we once were), and what a yummy surprise. Other than that, I followed the recipe to a tee. This goes on regular rotation! Tasted far more decadent than it actually was.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 17, 2021 at 10:32 AM

        Excellent!! I'm so happy you two enjoyed it. 😀

        Reply
    13. Timothy says

      September 11, 2021 at 2:30 PM

      5 stars
      Hello may I ask how come the finished pasta looks a lot "drier" than the second last picture? Is it because of the cream? New to cooking 🙂

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 11, 2021 at 8:34 PM

        Hi Timothy! So, I believe that the only difference between the finished photos and the one of the salmon in the pan is that it's been tossed with pasta and plated. Exact same ingredients (like the cream was already in the shot with the pan, if I recall correctly). The sauce will coat the pasta, and so there's less to collect at the bottom of the pan/bowl/etc. In general, cream does make sauces thicker, though.

        Reply
    14. Kyle says

      September 9, 2021 at 3:57 PM

      5 stars
      This was delicious !!!! I added asparagus and actually melted a little cream cheese instead of heavy whipping cream and that also worked great! Perfect simple recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 9, 2021 at 5:41 PM

        Yay!! Glad you enjoyed it and were able to tweak it.

        Reply
    15. Tapu says

      August 22, 2021 at 4:02 PM

      Can sour cream be used

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 22, 2021 at 4:10 PM

        I'm worried it may curdle. I'd cook it over a very LOW heat. It'll also taste more tangy than the recipe is intended, but I think it could be tasty. Let me know if you try!

        Reply
    16. Jerod says

      August 17, 2021 at 5:04 PM

      Hi!

      Have you tried this without heavy cream? Thinking of cooking it tonight and am out of heavy cream so I will either temper and warm my milk or do away with it completely. Not sure what my best bet would be!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 17, 2021 at 6:32 PM

        I think you could get away without using the cream. I'd just leave it out, and I am sure it would still be tasty. 🙂 Maybe add a splash of white wine if you need it to have a little more liquid.

        Reply
    17. Kat says

      August 11, 2021 at 4:46 PM

      5 stars
      Holy COW this was delicious. Took your advice and added asparagus. My “turns his nose up at fish” husband went back for seconds and said it was the best way he’s eaten salmon. 5 stars!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        August 11, 2021 at 5:14 PM

        Thrilled to hear that, Kat! Glad your husband enjoyed it as well.

        Reply
    18. Hanis says

      June 14, 2021 at 11:21 PM

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious. And fast and easy to make. My kids and I loved this!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 15, 2021 at 8:31 AM

        Thrilled to hear that! Thank you. 🙂

        Reply
    19. Patti says

      May 20, 2021 at 4:13 PM

      5 stars
      This was amazingly good. I seldom comment on recipes but this one was too good not too. I added a little more pesto because I used a little more pasta and it was delicious. So much so I got very little to eat myelf, so have to make it again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 20, 2021 at 8:06 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Patti! Appreciate you taking the time to write me a review.

        Reply
        • Tamisha says

          June 23, 2021 at 6:29 PM

          4 stars
          I enjoyed this recipe for how easy and quick it was to make. I didn't have heavy cream so I added in some feta cheese and a few handfuls of spinach. It was delicious. Thank you.

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            June 24, 2021 at 7:30 AM

            You're very welcome!

            Reply
        • Jennifer says

          August 31, 2021 at 5:46 PM

          5 stars
          Delicious and so easy! Skipped the cream, used wine instead of broth and it turned out great!
          Big hit with everyone and appears to be a “fancy dish” which I will use with company in the future! Thanks for sharing.

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            August 31, 2021 at 6:51 PM

            You're very welcome!!

            Reply
    20. Peggy says

      April 20, 2021 at 10:25 AM

      5 stars
      I used whole wheat linguini, added asparagus, and it was a hit with my family. Everyone loved it. Question: I would like to fix this for some house guests but don't want to be cooking at the last minute. Do you think I could fix this earlier in the day and then reheat?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 20, 2021 at 11:41 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Peggy! That's a tough one. I'm a little concerned that the salmon could dry out and the sauce might not reheat great. I would maybe do a test run just to see... but I'd warm it up slowly on a low heat if you do try.

        Reply
    21. Brittany says

      February 28, 2021 at 5:47 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious!!! Followed the recipe exactly and added the asparagus that the article recommended. Would def recommend adding it for some texture. This was delicious and will add to our regular rotation!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 28, 2021 at 5:55 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Brittany! 🙂

        Reply
    22. Taylor George says

      February 23, 2021 at 5:53 PM

      5 stars
      I’ve made this several times and it’s always a hit with my husband! He’s usually very honest when he doesn’t like a meal I make and tonight he said “This is a top 5 meal!” So, you’re definitely getting a five star rating from him! We added some roasted asparagus and it was even better than previous times. Thanks for the awesome recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 23, 2021 at 7:16 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that!! Thank you!! 🙂

        Reply
    23. Linda Gerrard says

      February 15, 2021 at 9:03 AM

      5 stars
      This was a wonderful Valentine’s Day dish. I added broccolini for a side and garlic bread. It was a wonderful combination of flavors. I was happy that I had some homemade pesto in the fridge ready for this dish.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 15, 2021 at 9:28 AM

        I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to review the recipe, Linda!

        Reply
        • Linda Gerrard says

          February 15, 2021 at 12:51 PM

          You are most welcome! I shared it on Instagram and tagged you as well. Fantastic recipe!

          Reply
    24. Sarah says

      February 11, 2021 at 5:02 PM

      5 stars
      This was phenomenal! As if I wasn’t already sold on the five star reviews that came before me (which I was!), wow! Flavorful, simple & quick, and elegant. A restaurant quality meal that is a quick keeper!

      Served with both steamed and oven roasted asparagus as a side.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 11, 2021 at 5:18 PM

        Thank you so much!! I'm so pleased you liked it, Sarah! XO

        Reply
    25. Ruby says

      February 11, 2021 at 5:02 AM

      Amazing! Cant wait to try it, used it for an assignment to do with healthy eating and such. Sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 11, 2021 at 9:16 AM

        Awesome! Enjoy!

        Reply
    26. Lola O says

      January 24, 2021 at 4:20 PM

      5 stars
      This was fast and bloody delicious.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 24, 2021 at 4:22 PM

        Awesome!! Thank you!

        Reply
    27. RD says

      January 9, 2021 at 10:26 AM

      5 stars
      OMG! Fabulous idea! Left out the cream, used leftover salmon and zucchini noodles plus whole wheat pasta!! Delicious!!!😊

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 9, 2021 at 1:47 PM

        I'm glad you were inspired by this one! 🙂

        Reply
    28. Lucie64 says

      December 22, 2020 at 5:11 PM

      5 stars
      Hubby doesn’t like salmon, I love it. He likes this dish. Now we’re both happy.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 23, 2020 at 10:27 AM

        Now that's what I like to hear!! 😀

        Reply
    29. Darlene A. says

      November 23, 2020 at 2:46 PM

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious!! I did substitute coffee cream for the whipping cream and it worked out great! This will be on my table again soon!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 23, 2020 at 5:00 PM

        So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    30. Tabby says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:24 PM

      5 stars
      Mare for dinner tonight and it turned out perfectly! Tack så mycket!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2020 at 9:41 PM

        Awesome!

        Reply
    31. Leanne says

      November 10, 2020 at 11:39 AM

      5 stars
      I made this recipe with pollack (white lake salmon) and added tomatoes and garlic. It was delicious, plus quick and easy to cook! Would definitely recommend

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 11, 2020 at 10:51 AM

        That's awesome!! I haven't had pollack in ages.

        Reply
    32. Joan Stickles says

      October 28, 2020 at 7:29 PM

      5 stars
      Fabulous! Will make again and again. Did not flour salmon, just sautéed for the same amount of time.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 28, 2020 at 8:16 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    33. Emma says

      September 24, 2020 at 11:32 PM

      5 stars
      Lovely! Simple to make and packed with flavour

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 25, 2020 at 9:07 AM

        So glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    34. Larry says

      August 31, 2020 at 5:02 PM

      5 stars
      Loved the recipe! We added some diced up tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on top for color and flavor.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 1, 2020 at 8:32 AM

        Awesome!! Thanks for commenting, Larry!

        Reply
    35. Sara says

      July 19, 2020 at 12:48 PM

      5 stars
      We loved this! We took your suggestion on adding asparagus so we had a one dish meal. Will make again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 19, 2020 at 5:41 PM

        So glad to hear that!! XO

        Reply
    36. Sandy says

      July 13, 2020 at 4:52 PM

      5 stars
      Loved, loved, loved this recipe!

      Has anyone tried adding fresh vegetables? Cherry tomatoes? Peas? Spinach?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 13, 2020 at 5:05 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that!! I think that any of those veggies would work 🙂

        Reply
    37. Marti says

      June 19, 2020 at 7:28 PM

      Hi, Can this be served cold or is there a similar recipe that can be served cold?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 19, 2020 at 7:33 PM

        Hi! Hmmm... there's cream in this one, so I'm not sure if it would be good cold. I do have a chicken pesto pasta salad that you could replace the chicken with salmon (maybe try smoked salmon)? https://www.saltandlavender.com/chicken-pesto-pasta-salad/

        Reply
    38. Matt Robinson says

      June 18, 2020 at 11:30 PM

      Making this soon for my salmon-obsessed boys!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 19, 2020 at 9:03 AM

        Let me know how it goes, Matt! 🙂

        Reply
    39. Cathy says

      June 17, 2020 at 4:09 PM

      5 stars
      I made this and followed the recipe to the T , even buying and using heavy whipping cream and not the half and half that I had in the refrig. I had lots of basil and made my own pesto. This was one of the best recipes and tastiest I have made lately...thanks

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 18, 2020 at 8:43 AM

        Wonderful!! I'm so glad it worked out so well, Cathy. Thanks for taking the time to comment! XO

        Reply
    40. Rose says

      June 3, 2020 at 5:27 AM

      5 stars
      This recipe was super easy to make and so good! I added lemon juice and you’re right, it did end up a tad too tangy since I used a jarred pesto. Loved it anyway and will make more of this 😉

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 3, 2020 at 9:20 AM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! Yeah, I was kinda surprised how tangy the jarred pesto I tried was.

        Reply
    41. Amy says

      May 27, 2020 at 8:37 PM

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious! Can easily be scaled to make larger or smaller. This is a restaurant-quality dish!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 28, 2020 at 1:28 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Amy! Thanks for leaving a review! XO

        Reply
    42. Kristina says

      April 21, 2020 at 7:18 PM

      5 stars
      Salmon and pesto...who knew it would be so good?!! Loud yums were heard all the way around when I served this and my husband even volunteered to do the dishes. Hooray and thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 22, 2020 at 8:46 AM

        Ooh that's awesome!! I am so glad to hear that. Thanks for leaving me a comment! 🙂

        Reply
    43. Lizzie says

      April 19, 2020 at 8:57 PM

      What do you think about canned salmon as a substitution?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 19, 2020 at 9:02 PM

        I think you could give it a try if you're looking for a quick pantry meal, but it definitely will taste different.

        Reply
    44. Mary jo says

      April 7, 2020 at 7:06 AM

      5 stars
      Amazing ! can't wait to try it <3

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 7, 2020 at 1:32 PM

        Enjoy!!

        Reply

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