Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta (Easy Dinner Recipe)

Name: Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Pasta; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 2 Salmon Fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 2 tablespoons Butter; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 2/3 cup Heavy Cream; 1/4 cup Pesto (homemade or store-bought); 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a hint of heat); 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; Fresh Basil (chopped (for garnish)); Lemon wedges (for serving)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe

Learn how to make delicious and easy Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta in just 25 minutes with this step-by-step recipe. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

A bowl of creamy pasta with chunks of salmon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, served on a wooden board.

If you’re ready to switch up pasta night, this pesto salmon pasta is a great option. Basil pesto combined with heavy cream and salmon creates a flavorful dish. Drawing from my time running a meal prep business, where quick and family-friendly recipes were key, this dish offers versatility and ease. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for busy nights.

Use homemade pesto or store-bought for this recipe. With any leftover pesto try my pesto garlic bread, pesto tuna pasta salad, and pesto chicken meatballs.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Salmon

Filling and Satisfying: This hearty, super-satisfying meal is loaded with protein-rich salmon and creamy pesto sauce.
Easy To Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly and easily for a delicious weeknight family meal.
Super Simple Yet Elegant: This pesto salmon recipe is a super simple recipe for a family dinner or elegant enough for your next dinner party.

Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.

Pasta: You can use your favorite pasta to make this recipe. Penne or fettuccine are both good options. For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta.
Olive Oil: I used olive oil to cook the salmon, I prefer extra virgin olive oil but any type will work.
Butter: The butter is used to cook the garlic until it’s soft and fragrant.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor, but jarred garlic will work too.
Heavy Cream: Substitute half and half for a lighter sauce.
Pesto: You can use a homemade pesto or a container from the grocery store.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended.
Fresh Basil: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top if you have any.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Salmon:

Pat each salmon fillet dry with a paper towel or dishcloth and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and flaky. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. When slightly cooled, break the salmon into large chunks.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

A skillet on a marble countertop containing sautéed garlic and butter with a whisk. Nearby are a plate with seasoned salmon, a bowl of pesto, a small dish of olive oil, and a jug of cream.

Step 4: Add Cream and Pesto

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Add the pesto and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

A white pan on a marble surface contains cream being mixed with green pesto sauce and red pepper flakes using a whisk. In the background, raw seasoned salmon is placed on a plate, and a small bowl contains additional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta and salmon to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

A skillet with cooked pasta in a green sauce, topped with chunks of salmon. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture. Nearby are bowls of grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and a small pitcher of cream on a marble countertop.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Close-up of pasta with creamy avocado sauce and chunks of salmon, garnished with chopped herbs. The dish appears rich and flavorful, with a mix of textures from the pasta and fish.

FAQs

What pasta shape is best for creamy pesto?

Any shape of pasta will work to absorb the flavors of this creamy pesto sauce.

What to serve with pesto salmon pasta

Here are my favorite recipes to serve with pesto salmon pasta.

Recipe Variations

Add veggies: After the garlic is cooked, add asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the pan.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the salmon and serve the creamy pesto pasta as a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Swap the salmon: You can use chicken or any other type of fish instead of the salmon fillets.
Go for canned: If you don’t have fresh salmon on hand, you can even use canned salmon or canned tuna in its place.

A bowl of creamy pasta with pieces of salmon and herbs, placed on a wooden serving board. Surrounding the bowl are lemon slices, a small dish of crushed red pepper, garlic cloves, and an empty plate with forks.

More Pasta Recipe Ideas

Save This Recipe

Want this recipe delivered to your inbox? Just fill out your email below and we will deliver it right to your inbox along with our delicious recipes and updates.