Creamy Pesto Salmon A Weeknight Winner

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had one of those nights where you crave something fancy but don't wanna spend hours in the kitchen? This Creamy pesto salmon recipe is your answer! It’s packed with flavour, and so easy! Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you are treating yourself!

Brief Overview

This dish, while inspired by Italian flavors, is a modern take on a classic. It’s basically Italian salmon recipes meets weeknight salmon dinner simplicity.

Ready in under 30 minutes, it serves four hungry people!

Main Benefits

Salmon is a superfood, you know? Packed with Omega-3s, it's good for your heart and brain. This dish is perfect for a date night in, or even a quick but impressive family meal.

The thing that makes this recipe so special is how the creamy sauce complements the richness of the salmon. This is a great way to get some healthy fats in your diet.

Creamy Pesto Salmon A Weeknight Winner Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170g each), skin on or off
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the hot skillet.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked about halfway through. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through but still moist and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
• Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Add pesto and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Return salmon to the skillet. Spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
• Cook for another minute or two, just to warm everything through. Squeeze lemon juice over the top (if using) for a touch of brightness.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:30-40g

Fiber:0-1g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian-American

look into Into Creamy Pesto Salmon Heaven

Okay, so this isn’t your grandma's salmon dish. It’s the kind of salmon fillet recipes gourmet meal that makes you feel like a real chef!

Easy Pesto Salmon... Really?

Don’t let the name fool you, this pesto salmon recipe easy to make. You are going to use some fresh salmon, some pesto, some garlic, and some cheese!

What Makes This Salmon So Special?

It's all about that creamy pesto sauce for salmon . Think basil, garlic, Parmesan... oh my gosh, it's amazing!

Prep time

It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Then, about 15 minutes to cook. Less than 30 minutes total! So you are able to have 30 minute salmon recipe , that is so rich in flavor!

Ingredients & Equipment For Your Creamy Pesto Salmon Recipe

Okay, so you're ready to make this amazing Creamy Pesto Salmon recipe ? Fantastic! It's so easy, it almost feels like cheating.

I've made it a million times, and it's always a winner. Even my fussy Aunt Mildred loves it! Let's dive into what you'll need.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Honestly, the quality of your ingredients shines through here. Splurge a little!

• Salmon Fillets: You'll want 4 fillets, each around 6 oz (170g) . Fresh is best, obvs. If using frozen, make sure they're fully thawed and patted dry. Look for firm flesh and a vibrant color. Seriously, avoid anything that smells too fishy, you know?
• Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Good quality extra virgin is ideal.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) . Don't skimp. This is what makes it creamy pesto sauce for salmon , after all!
• Basil Pesto: ¼ cup (60 ml) of prepared pesto. Homemade is amazing if you have the time, but decent store-bought works fine. I've been known to grab a jar from the supermarket, no shame!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must, no powder allowed here, darling.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) grated, plus extra for serving if you're feeling fancy. Pre-grated is fine in a pinch, but freshly grated Parm is always better.
• Lemon: Half a lemon. Save some juice to add on top of the salmon with pesto and parmesan .

Seasoning is key, you know? It makes all the difference.

Seasoning Notes

Salt and pepper are your best friends here. Don't be shy. A little goes a long way in enhancing the flavor.

Pesto already packs a punch, so less is more with other spices. For flavor enhancers, try fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

The lemon juice adds a lovely brightness to cut through the richness. No lemon? A splash of white wine vinegar works too.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up this weeknight salmon dinner . Keep the kit straight forward.

• Large skillet (non-stick is ideal but not essential).
• Tongs or spatula.
• Small bowl.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.

Honestly, that's it! Nothing too intimidating. A pan seared salmon pesto cream sauce is within anyone's reach. Get ready for some truly delicious Italian salmon recipes .

Quick salmon dinner ideas are my thing!

Cooking Method: Searing Salmon Like a Pro

Honestly, who doesn't love a perfectly seared piece of salmon? But let's be real, it can be a bit intimidating, right? I mean, nobody wants dry, overcooked fish.

Especially not when you're aiming for a killer Creamy pesto salmon recipe . Don't stress! I got you. This is how I do it, step by step, making sure that perfect Pan seared salmon pesto cream sauce every single time.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , my friends! It sounds fancy, but it just means "everything in its place".

Pat those salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is KEY for crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Get your olive oil ready. Have your pan and spatula at the ready. Seriously, this is a game changer. You don't want to be scrambling for ingredients while your salmon's burning! Safety reminder: Always use oven mitts!

Step-by-Step: Searing Perfection

Ready to rock and roll with this Pesto salmon recipe easy ?

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering, but not smoking.
2. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if you have skin on) in the hot pan.
3. Cook for 4- 5 minutes . You'll see the sides of the salmon turning opaque.
4. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2- 3 minutes . Check for doneness by gently flaking with a fork.
5. Internal temperature should reach 145° F ( 63° C) . Use a food thermometer to be sure.

Remove from the skillet. Tent loosely with foil. Now you're ready to finish your Creamy pesto sauce for salmon .

Pro Tips: Secret Weapons

Honestly, the key to avoiding common mistakes is practicing a bit, and a little confidence goes a long way! Also consider, this 30 minute salmon recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights.

• Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary.
• Crispy skin is all about DRYNESS. Seriously, pat that skin bone dry!
• Avoid overcooking. Aim for slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook from residual heat.

Baked creamy pesto salmon is an awesome alternative. This method will work too! This Weeknight salmon dinner is a real winner.

Try some Salmon with pesto and parmesan . You could also try other Italian salmon recipes and Salmon fillet recipes gourmet .

We all want Quick salmon dinner ideas

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's talk about making this Creamy Pesto Salmon recipe your own . You know, the bits and bobs that make a dish go from 'nice' to 'OMG, this is amazing!'

Ace Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation is everything! For plating, think rustic Italian. A swirl of the creamy pesto sauce for salmon on the plate, then nestle the salmon fillet right on top.

Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil.

For sides, I'm a massive fan of steamed asparagus. The green really pops against the creamy sauce. A simple rice pilaf also works a treat.

And to drink? A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio. Perfect for your weeknight salmon dinner.

Super Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? No worries! Pop the Creamy pesto salmon recipe in an airtight container and into the fridge. It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't ideal as the cream sauce can separate a bit. But, needs must! If you must freeze it, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the hob.

Reheat thoroughly, making sure it is piping hot.

Variations: The Spice of Life

Want to tweak it? Easy peasy. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. It adds a lovely sweetness. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Or, fancy a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy pesto sauce for salmon.

BOOM! Spice central. Seasonal swaps? Courgettes are fantastic in summer. Or try some butternut squash in autumn.

Nifty Nutrition

Okay, let's get real. This Creamy Pesto Salmon recipe easy is rich. But it's also packed with goodness! Salmon is a superstar for Omega-3 fatty acids. These are brilliant for your heart.

The pesto adds antioxidants from the basil. Parmesan gives you calcium. It's all about balance, innit? Just remember, approximate calories per serving are 450-550 .

There you have it! All the insider tips to make this Creamy Pesto Salmon recipe a resounding success. Don't be afraid to experiment. Just get in the kitchen and have some fun!