Description
This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish combining perfectly cooked salmon with al dente rigatoni pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and flavorful basil pesto. It's a balanced meal packed with protein and fresh ingredients, ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner in about 50 minutes. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table with ease.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces Rigatoni pasta
Salmon
- 1 pound skinless salmon filet
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking salmon)
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces basil pesto sauce
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil for Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Season Salmon: Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the salmon filet.
- Cook Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon carefully in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the salmon starts to brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove Salmon: Take the cooked salmon out of the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet, then add minced garlic and chopped yellow onion. Cook while stirring frequently until the onions become translucent.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, continuing to stir often.
- Add Pesto Sauce: Pour in the basil pesto sauce and mix well. Let the sauce cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni pasta to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently and adjusting heat to prevent burning.
- Flake Salmon: Using a fork, gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve: Top the pasta with the flaked salmon and sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose skinless salmon filet for easier cooking and flaking.
- Be sure to stir the pasta and sauce frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of pesto sauce to your liking for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and texture; you can substitute with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty finish but can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian cheese if needed.
