Welcome to another delicious journey in the kitchen! If you’re a seafood lover or simply enjoy a dish packed with bold flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tender salmon, garlic-infused spinach, and a rich sun-dried tomato pesto sauce—all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. Ready to impress your family or friends with minimal effort? Let’s dive right in!
Introduction
This Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce recipe brings together the best of Italian-inspired cuisine with an exciting twist. The star of the dish is salmon, perfectly seared and then simmered in a creamy sauce made from red pesto, cream cheese, and spinach. Not only is it quick and simple to make, but the flavors are guaranteed to make this dish a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pesto dishes or just looking for a fresh way to serve salmon, this is a recipe you don’t want to miss. It pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that luscious sauce!
Ingredients for Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup red pesto
- 7 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 3.5 ounces spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Chili flakes for garnish (optional)
Optional Substitutions:
- Allergen-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Low-Fat Option: Swap regular cream cheese with a reduced-fat version.
- Vegan: Replace the salmon with tofu or chickpeas and use a vegan pesto.
How to Make Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce – Step by Step
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure to finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and pat the salmon fillets dry. Season the salmon on both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil and butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon for about 3 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the garlic and onion, cooking them for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Saucy Ingredients
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the red pesto and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for about a minute until it starts to wilt. This step will enrich the sauce with extra nutrition and flavor.
Step 6: Finish Cooking the Salmon
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and allow them to cook in the sauce for an additional 3 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hint of heat. Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips for Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh salmon, garlic, and spinach. Fresh produce always elevates the dish!
- Make Ahead: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it when ready to serve.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like things spicy, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Cooking Tips for the Best Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce
- Searing the Salmon: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon. This ensures a perfect sear, locking in the moisture and giving it a beautiful golden crust.
- Creamy Texture: To get the creamiest sauce, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it into the sauce.
- Equipment Tip: Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Serving Suggestions for Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with several sides:
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the sauce.
- Steamed Rice: A simple base to complement the bold flavors.
- Pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a heartier meal.
- Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or zucchini.
For a refreshing beverage, try pairing this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Looking for more recipes with robust flavors? Try this Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix on Optimal Recipes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving of this Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce:
Calories: 503 kcal
Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 35g
Vitamins: Rich in Omega-3 and Vitamin D from the salmon, plus iron from the spinach.
Storage and Leftovers for Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the fish.
Freezing Tip: You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months, but it’s best to cook fresh salmon when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce
- Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use store-bought red pesto for convenience. Look for one with high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- What can I substitute for salmon?
- You can substitute salmon with other fish like cod or even chicken for a different take on this recipe.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure that your pesto and other ingredients are labeled as gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan butter to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Related Recipes for Salmon Lovers
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup – A hearty and warming soup filled with Italian sausage and creamy Parmesan.
- Tzatziki Chicken Salad – Fresh and Mediterranean-inspired, perfect for a light and zesty meal.
Conclusion
There you have it, a delicious and easy-to-make Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce that’s perfect for any night of the week! With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish will soon become a staple in your home. Don’t forget to share your own twists on the recipe in the comments below. What’s your favorite way to enjoy salmon?
Enjoy cooking, and be sure to try out this comforting and flavorful dish!
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Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce – Easy One-Skillet Meal
Description
Welcome to another delicious journey in the kitchen! If you’re a seafood lover or simply enjoy a dish packed with bold flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Salmon in Creamy Red Pesto Sauce. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tender salmon, garlic-infused spinach, and a rich sun-dried tomato pesto sauce—all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. Ready to impress your family or friends with minimal effort? Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup red pesto
- 7 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 3.5 ounces spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Chili flakes for garnish (optional)
Optional Substitutions:
- Allergen-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Low-Fat Option: Swap regular cream cheese with a reduced-fat version.
- Vegan: Replace the salmon with tofu or chickpeas and use a vegan pesto.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure to finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and pat the salmon fillets dry. Season the salmon on both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil and butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon for about 3 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the garlic and onion, cooking them for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Saucy Ingredients
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the red pesto and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for about a minute until it starts to wilt. This step will enrich the sauce with extra nutrition and flavor.
Step 6: Finish Cooking the Salmon
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and allow them to cook in the sauce for an additional 3 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hint of heat. Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh salmon, garlic, and spinach. Fresh produce always elevates the dish!
- Make Ahead: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it when ready to serve.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like things spicy, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
