Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto

Name: Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine); 2 salmon fillets; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed; 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Plant Power

I absolutely love making Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto because it effortlessly combines rich flavors with a healthy twist. The creaminess of the pesto, made from fresh spinach, offers a vibrant backdrop for the succulent salmon and perfectly cooked pasta. It's a dish that not only satisfies my taste buds but also nourishes my body. Whether for a cozy night with family or a lively dinner party, this recipe always impresses and can be whipped up in no time, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

The Chefbenbakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-08T15:49:28.529Z

When I first tried blending spinach into a pesto, I was amazed by the depth of flavor it brought to the dish. The vibrant green color and healthy nutrients really elevate the traditional sauce. I enjoy toasting the pine nuts first, enhancing their flavor and giving the pesto a nutty richness that works beautifully with the salmon.

The key to perfecting the pasta is to ensure you don’t overcook it—al dente pasta captures the sauce beautifully. I also like to finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens all the flavors and makes it incredibly fresh.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Fresh and vibrant spinach pesto that boosts the dish’s nutritional profile
Perfectly cooked salmon that adds richness and protein
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion

Choosing the Right Pasta

The choice of pasta can significantly affect the overall texture and experience of your Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto. Fettuccine or linguine are excellent options due to their flat and wide surfaces, allowing for the spinach pesto to cling beautifully. When cooking the pasta, aim for an al dente texture, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it offers a slight resistance when bitten into and looks slightly firmer than you’d prefer, as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the other ingredients.

If you want to make this dish gluten-free, feel free to substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options made from rice or chickpeas. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as these alternatives might cook faster. Moreover, using whole grain pasta can add a nutty flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity while providing additional fiber.

Perfecting the Salmon

Cooking the salmon perfectly is crucial for this dish. Start by patting the fillets dry with a paper towel, as moisture can prevent them from searing properly. When seasoning, a light sprinkle of salt and pepper is often sufficient, but you can also enhance the flavor with herbs like dill or lemon zest for an added citrus punch. Heat your skillet to medium, ensuring the olive oil is shimmering but not smoking, which indicates it's hot enough for searing.

Cooking time is essential; around 4 to 5 minutes per side should achieve a golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist. If your salmon fillets are particularly thick, you may need an extra minute or two. Remember to check for doneness by ensuring the inside is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Leftover salmon also works well in salads or sandwiches, making this a versatile protein.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To store any leftovers, let the Salmon Pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, although the pasta may soak up some pesto, so you might need to add a splash of olive oil when reheating. If you desire a warm dish, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without overcooking the salmon.

When serving, consider adding bright and fresh garnishes like cherry tomatoes or a handful of arugula to enhance the visual appeal and add a crunchy texture. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can elevate the flavors, providing a zesty contrast to the rich salmon and creamy pesto. Pairing with a light white wine or sparkling water can also complement the meal beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto:

For the Pasta and Salmon

8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
2 salmon fillets
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spinach Pesto

2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything ready, let’s get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create an incredible Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Salmon

Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and flake into large pieces.

Make the Spinach Pesto

In a food processor, combine spinach, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until well-blended and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the spinach pesto, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth sauce. Gently fold in the flaked salmon.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salmon pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

With these steps, your meal is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor further, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dish. They add a wonderful burst of flavor that complements the salmon and pesto beautifully.

Spinach Pesto Variations

While traditional pesto is made with basil, swapping it with fresh spinach creates a lighter version that’s packed with vitamins. You can experiment further by adding other leafy greens like kale or arugula. If you’re looking for added flavor and creaminess, consider including a handful of fresh basil leaves along with the spinach. This provides a more robust herby flavor without overpowering the dish's balance.

For those who prefer a nut-free version, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds. Additionally, if you love a little spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or blending in some fresh herbs like parsley for more complexity.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare the spinach pesto a day or two in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Just give it a quick stir before using it again. The salmon can also be seasoned and refrigerated for a few hours prior to cooking, which helps to infuse the flavors deeper.

If you're planning a dinner party, consider cooking the pasta and salmon just before serving to keep everything fresh. You can prepare the pesto ahead and have everything else ready to go so that you can assemble the dish quickly and impress your guests with your culinary prowess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

→ Is there a substitute for pine nuts?

You can use walnuts or almonds as alternatives, though the flavor will vary slightly.

→ Can I prepare the pesto in advance?

Absolutely! You can store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What other greens can I use for pesto?

Kale or basil can also work well and offer unique flavor profiles.