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Introducing our delightful Crispy Garlic Salmon Pesto Pasta – a quick and easy recipe that seamlessly combines convenience with gourmet flavours. This one-pot wonder is a tantalizing journey for your taste buds, presenting a symphony of Italian-inspired goodness.
With just 6 simple steps, this flavourful dish is ready to grace your table in 30 minutes. A harmonious blend of crispy garlic, pan-fried salmon, delightful crunch capsicum and vibrant pesto-coated pasta, this creation has become a staple on our weekly menu. Loved by all ages in the family, it’s the perfect choice for a stress-free weeknight dinner or a joyous celebration. Elevate your dining experience with this culinary gem that proves sophistication can indeed be swift and satisfying.
Looking for more comfort food recipes? Try my Mashed Potato Risotto Casserole, Creamy Mushroom Soup and Easy Homemade Garlic Bread.
RECIPE HIGHLIGHTS:
Versatile Elegance: Suitable for any occasion, this quick and easy one pot recipe is a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, effortlessly combining simplicity with sophistication.
Crispy Garlic Elegance: Elevate the texture with crispy garlic, sauteed to a golden hue in just 2-3 minutes, creating an irresistible flavour dimension.
Perfectly Pan-Fried Salmon: Tender sliced salmon, seasoned with paprika, Italian mixed herbs, Oregano leaves and ground black pepper are pan-fried to golden perfection in just 7-8 minutes.
Vibrant Capsicum Crunch: Sauteed capsicum adds a burst of colour and a delightful crunch, completing the savory notes of the dish.
Pesto Infusion: The pasta is generously coated with either store-bought or homemade pesto. Pesto is the star of this recipe.
Garnish with Parmesan: A finishing touch of finely grated Parmesan cheese enhances the overall experience, offering a gourmet flair.
Artful Culinary Experience: Celebrate the art of cooking with Crispy Garlic Salmon Pesto Pasta – a culinary journey that promises a celebration of tastes, textures and culinary finesse.
Nutrient-Rich Delight: Elevate your dining experience with our Nutrient-packed Crispy Garlic Salmon Pesto Pasta – a celebration of wellness and flavour. This one-pot wonder is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids from succulent salmon, antioxidants from vibrant pesto and nutritional benefits from garlic. The addition of capsicum not only contributes to the dish’s vibrant colours but also provides a boast of vitamin C, essential for immune health. Wholesome and delicious, it’s a well-rounded meal, offering proteins, vitamins and minerals in every bite.
Yield: 4 Servings.
INGREDIENT NOTES:
Salmon Fillet: Choose fresh salmon for the best flavour. Remove the skin and bones for a smoother pasta experience. Season the salmon with paprika, Italian seasoning, dried oregano leaves and ground black pepper for a well-balanced flavourful taste.
Uncooked Pasta: I use Fusilli pasta for this recipe. You can also use your favourite pasta variety such as linguine, fettuccine or penne. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Pesto Sauce: I use store-bought Italian Pesto Genovese for convenience, it’s an extremely versatile pesto sauce made with fresh basil picked in season and real Italian cheese (pecorino romano and grana padano cheese). You can use your favourite store-bought pesto or make your own homemade pesto sauce with fresh bail, pine / cashew nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Capsicum: Choose a colourful bell pepper for added visual appeal. Slice the capsicum into thin strips for even distribution in the pasta.
Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for a robust flavour. Mince or finely chop the garlic for a more subtle taste or leave it in larger pieces for a bolder garlic flavour.
Paprika, Italian Seasoning/Dried Mixed Herbs, Dried Oregano Leaves, Ground Black Pepper (Seasoning for Salmon): Adjust the seasoning quantities according to your taste preferences. Consider marinating the salmon for a short period before cooking to enhance flavour.
Salt: Add salt to the pasta water for seasoning.
Canola Oil: Prevents the pasta from sticking together while boiling. You can use any neutral cooking oil if canola oil is not available.
Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese for garnish (optional): Adds a savoury kick and enhances the overall richness. Sprinkle just before serving for a finishing touch.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE SALMON PESTO PASTA:
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SALMON PESTO PASTA:
1.Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and canola oil to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, to maintain its firmness and ideal texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to keep 1 - 2 cups pasta water for later use.
2. Make Crispy Garlic: In a skillet or large pan, heat a small amount of canola oil over medium heat. Add minced or thinly chopped garlic cloves and saute for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the crispy garlic from the skillet or pan and set it aside.
3. Marinate the Salmon: Remove the salmon skin and bones, cut the salmon in small cubes/slices about 1-inch thickness. In a medium bowl, season the sliced salmon with paprika, Italian seasoning, dried oregano leaves and ground black pepper, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Pan-Fry the Marinated Salmon: In the same skillet or pan used for garlic, add a bit more oil if needed. Pan-fry the marinated salmon over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes or until it’s slightly golden browned or cooked to your liking. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
5. Saute Capsicum: In the same skillet or pan, saute the sliced capsicum for about 1-2 minutes or until it’s slightly tender but still has a crunch.
6. Combine Pasta, Pesto and Ingredients: Add pesto sauce onto the skillet or pan with 1 cup of pasta water, let it simmer over medium heat for a minute. Combine the cooked pasta with pesto sauce and sauteed capsicum. Toss them together until the pasta is well coated with pesto sauce. Add crispy garlic and pan-fried salmon, toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Serve and enjoy. Happy Cooking!
How to achieve Al Dente Pasta? Cooking pasta to “al dente” involves achieving a tender yet firm texture. You may follow the following tips:
Check Cooking Time: Refer to the pasta package for suggested cooking times, but aim to cook slightly less than recommended.
Taste Test: Sample the pasta a minute to two before the suggested cooking time. Look for a firm center and noticeable bite.
Texture Check: Al dente pasta should be firm, maintaining its shape and not becoming mushy.
Consider the Dish: Keep in mind that pasta may continue to cook after draining, especially if it will be further cooked in the sauce.
Adjust the cooking times based on personal preference, striving for that perfect balance between tenderness and firmness in your pasta.
PRO TIPS:
Pesto Preference: Choose a premium store-bought pesto for convenience or experiment with your own homemade pesto.
Crispy Garlic Precision: Keep a close eye on the garlic while sauteing to achieve the perfect golden crispiness without burning.
Marination Magic: Allow the sliced salmon to marinate briefly for a more intense infusion of the spice blend.
Salmon Sealing: Ensure the pan is adequately hot before pan-frying the salmon to achieve a flavourful sear and retain moisture.
Sauteing Success: Saute capsicum until it’s slightly tender but retains a delightful crunch, preserving its vibrant colour.
Garnish Gracefully: Add the Parmesan just before serving to preserve its distinct flavour and texture.
Versatile Pairing: Customize the pasta by experimenting with different pasta shapes or adding additional veggies for a varied experience.
Family-Friendly Twist: Consider adjusting spice levels to suit the taste preferences of all ages in the family, making it a universally loved dish. It's always a good idea to taste as you go to ensure the flavors are balanced to your liking.
SERVINGS TIPS:
Plate the salmon pesto pasta and top it with the additional crispy garlic and sliced salmon.
Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a finishing touch.
Serve your Crispy Garlic Salmon Pesto Pasta immediately and enjoy your flavourful and delicious one pot meal!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favourite pasta shapes – linguine, fettucine or penne work well with this recipe.
Can I substitute fresh salmon with frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but ensure its properly thawed before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavour.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
A brief marination of 15-20 minutes allows the salmon to absorb the flavours. For a bolder taste, you can extend the marination time.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components like the crispy garlic and marinate the salmon in advance for quicker cooking process when ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for canola oil?
Yes, any neutral cooking oil, like vegetable or olive oil can be used for boiling pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Omit the salmon and consider adding roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini for a delightful vegetarian version.
Can I add cream to this recipe?
Absolutely! If you desire a creamier texture, you can incorporate a touch of heavy cream or even a dollop cream cheese into the pesto sauce. Adjust the quantity according to your preference for a lusciously rich variation of the dish. Keep in mind that this modification will introduce a delightful velvety element to the pasta, offering a new dimension to the overall flavour profile.
Remember to leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comment section below if you’ve tried and loved this recipe. Your support means a lot to me ❤️
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