Description
This Salmon Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining perfectly roasted Cajun-spiced salmon with al dente spaghetti tossed in vibrant pesto sauce and pecorino cheese. Ideal for a nutritious weeknight meal, it caters to seafood lovers seeking a simple but elegant recipe with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 9 oz (250g) spaghetti
Salmon
- 10–14 oz (300-400g) raw salmon (boneless, skin on or off depending on your preference)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup pecorino cheese or parmesan (plus more for serving)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for roasting the salmon.
- Prepare Salmon: Wash and dry your salmon, then cut it into even pieces about 1 ½ inches each. Place the pieces in a medium bowl.
- Season Salmon: Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the salmon, tossing to coat evenly. Then sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and sea salt over the pieces, tossing again to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate the salmon until ready to cook.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions, typically 11-13 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Roast Salmon: Arrange the salmon pieces spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, adjusting time if pieces vary in size, until cooked through and flaky.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the pesto sauce, a splash of reserved pasta water, pecorino cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a smooth, coated pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pesto pasta and top with the roasted salmon pieces. Add additional black pepper, pecorino cheese, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days to maintain freshness.
- Salmon Portion: The salmon cuts can vary, but aim for approximately 3-4 oz of salmon per person for balanced servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
