Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both impressive and super simple, I have just the thing for you: Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe. This dish combines tender roasted salmon with bright, herby pesto pasta and the salty nuttiness of parmesan—trust me, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic combo that’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough when you want to treat yourself. Keep reading because I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up that make this one a guaranteed winner every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of fresh, rich, and savory. When shopping, look for salmon that’s firm and fresh, and don’t hesitate to pick a pesto that’s fresh or homemade—it makes all the difference.

• Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti holds the pesto sauce beautifully, but you can also use your favorite pasta shape.
• Raw Salmon: Whether skin-on or off, fresh salmon gives you a tender, flavorful roast.
• Avocado Oil: I love this oil because it has a high smoke point and mild flavor, perfect for roasting salmon.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds a kick without overwhelming the salmon or pasta.
• Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning both the salmon and pasta water to boost flavors.
• Pesto Sauce: The heart of this dish—basil-based pesto with pine nuts or walnuts adds freshness and texture.
• Pecorino Cheese or Parmesan: Salty, nutty cheese that melts into the pasta for a creamy finish.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning and a mild peppery punch.
• Lemon: Brightens the entire dish at the end, just a squeeze is magic.

Variations

I love personalizing this Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. There’s room to add veggies, swap out cheeses, or adjust spices so you can make it truly your own.

• Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in roasted cherry tomatoes or steamed asparagus which add a lovely sweetness and more color.
• Cheese Swap: Pecorino is amazing, but parmesan or even a sprinkle of feta can change things up deliciously.
• Diet-Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles to keep it light and suit gluten-sensitive guests.
• Mild Flavor: If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or skip the cajun seasoning—still delicious!

How to Make Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven warms, wash and pat dry your salmon to remove excess moisture—this helps it roast beautifully without steaming. Cut the salmon into about 1½ inch pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them gently with avocado oil, cajun seasoning, and sea salt in a bowl. I like to let the salmon chill in the fridge for a few minutes while I get other things ready—that helps the seasoning really soak in.

Step 2: Boil Spaghetti and Roast Salmon

While the pasta water is coming to a boil, arrange your salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each so they roast instead of steam. Once the water boils, add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 11 to 13 minutes. Make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining! Pop the salmon into the oven for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it—smaller pieces cook faster, and you want the salmon tender and flaky, not dried out.

Step 3: Toss Pasta with Pesto and Cheese

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Immediately stir in the pesto sauce, a splash of the reserved pasta water (to loosen everything up), pecorino cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t worry if the sauce seems thick at first; the pasta water helps it coat every strand perfectly. Feel free to add a little more pasta water if you want it saucier. The cheese melts into the pasta creating this wonderful velvety texture that’s hard to resist.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Divide the pesto pasta onto plates and top with those gorgeous roasted salmon pieces. I like to finish with an extra sprinkle of pecorino, a bit more cracked black pepper, and don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side—just a little squeeze adds a fresh zing that brightens the whole dish. I absolutely love how this turns out every time!

How to Serve Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple here, so freshly cracked black pepper and some extra grated pecorino or parmesan on top are my go-tos. I also love a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh basil for extra texture and herbal brightness. If you want a hint of heat, chili flakes work beautifully with this dish.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this pasta served alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed seasonal veggies like asparagus or broccolini also pair perfectly and add a fresh balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a welcome addition if you want to make it a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to plate the pasta in a shallow bowl, artfully arrange the salmon pieces on top, and add colorful herbs and lemon wedges around the edges. Another fun idea is serving the salmon on one side and the pesto pasta on the other on a big family-style platter, letting everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon and pasta together in an airtight container in the fridge and they generally keep well for 1 to 2 days. The salmon stays tender if you’re careful, and the pesto pasta holds onto its flavor beautifully. Just try to eat it sooner rather than later for the best texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had the best luck freezing this particular recipe since seafood texture can change after thawing, and pesto tends to lose some freshness. If you want to freeze, it’s better to freeze cooked pasta and salmon separately and add pesto fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I gently reheat the pasta with a splash of water or broth in a skillet over low heat so it doesn’t dry out. Adding a little more cheese and fresh lemon after reheating revives the flavor nicely. Salmon reheats best at low temperature and short time to keep it tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Pesto Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it feels effortlessly classy without hours in the kitchen. The first time I made it, my whole family couldn’t believe how something so simple tasted so indulgent and fresh. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find that same joy—I really think this recipe might just become one of your favorites too!

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