Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto

Name: Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g pasta of your choice; 2 fillets of salmon; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic; 1/3 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I love whipping up a quick and satisfying meal, and this Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto has become a staple in my kitchen. With its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, it never fails to impress. The combination of tender salmon and fresh spinach blended into a creamy pesto sauce is absolutely delightful. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, and I find that it takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The best part? I can enjoy this dish knowing I’m fueling my body the right way!

Created by

The Chefisaacbakes Team

Last updated on 2026-03-11T19:40:07.662Z

During my culinary adventures, I've discovered that combining fresh ingredients can elevate your dish immensely. I remember the first time I made this recipe; I used leftover salmon, and it turned out better than I expected. The spinach pesto gives the pasta a beautiful color, and it’s packed with nutrients. You won’t even miss the traditional basil pesto!

One tip I’ve learned is to avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente results in a much better texture in the final dish. Plus, mixing the hot pasta directly with the pesto allows it to cling beautifully, making each bite deliciously satisfying. It’s a culinary experience I look forward to every time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
Rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids from salmon
Vibrant flavors of fresh spinach and garlic
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Mastering the Pesto

The spinach pesto not only brings vibrant color to the dish but also provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon. When blending the pesto, be sure to scrape down the sides of the blender every so often to achieve a uniform texture. If you prefer a chunkier pesto, pulse the ingredients less. For a twist, consider adding a handful of fresh basil or arugula to the mix for added depth.

Don't hesitate to adjust the garlic to your taste; since garlic can vary in potency, start with one clove and add more if you desire a stronger kick. Additionally, substituting the pine nuts with walnuts or sunflower seeds can alter the flavor profile and make the dish nut-free, keeping it accessible for a wider array of dietary needs. Just be sure to toast the nuts lightly to enhance their flavors.

Cooking the Salmon to Perfection

Many home cooks struggle to achieve perfectly cooked salmon. To avoid overcooking, monitor the salmon closely while it cooks. Ideal salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork, usually around 4-5 minutes per side on medium heat. If your fillets are particularly thick, consider extending the cooking time by a minute or two. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), guaranteeing that it's safely cooked.

If you’re short on time, you can also grill or bake the salmon instead. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), drizzle the fillets with olive oil and seasonings, and cook on a lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes. The baking method allows for an easy clean-up while still yielding moist, flavorful fish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile; feel free to serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving enhances the flavors and adds brightness. For a creamier texture, you can mix in a dollop of mascarpone cheese into the pasta and pesto mixture before serving, creating a rich, indulgent experience.

For those looking to prepare ahead, the pesto can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well; pour it into ice cube trays and freeze, then transfer the cubes into a ziplock bag for quick future meals. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to whip up this dish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto:

Ingredients

250g pasta of your choice
2 fillets of salmon
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for a smooth process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your delicious Salmon Pasta with Spinach Pesto:

Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Pesto

In a blender, combine spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped, then gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Salmon

In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and cook the salmon fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and flaky. Remove from heat and flake the salmon into pieces.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, pesto, and flaked salmon. If the mixture is too dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or pine nuts if desired.

Enjoy your meal while it’s fresh and warm for the best flavor experience!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider roasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto. This enhances their nutty sweetness and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

Storage Tips

Leftover salmon pasta with spinach pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or some reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Be cautious not to reheat for too long, as overcooking can make the salmon tough.

If you're looking to freeze this dish, it's best to store the pasta and salmon separately from the pesto. Freeze the pasta in individual portions and the pesto in an airtight container. To enjoy later, thaw the components in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Scaling the Recipe

This salmon pasta recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for both small and large gatherings. For every additional two salmon fillets, increase the pasta and pesto ingredients proportionally. If you're cooking for a crowd, consider baking the salmon in large batches instead of pan-frying, allowing you to prepare all the salmon at once while freeing up your stovetop for other tasks.

Remember to adjust seasoning accordingly when scaling, as the ratios may change and unexpected flavor profiles can emerge. Taste and adjust the pesto and pasta mix as you go, ensuring each serving maintains the signature vibrancy that makes this dish a favorite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

→ What other greens can I use for pesto?

You can experiment with other greens like kale, arugula, or even basil for a more traditional pesto flavor.

→ Can I make the pesto in advance?

Absolutely! The pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Just store the components separately and combine them when ready to eat.