If you are craving a dish that’s effortlessly delicious yet packed with freshness and bright flavors, this Salmon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines perfectly seared salmon with sweet burst cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta, all brought together with a light lemony touch. This is one of those recipes that feels like a special treat but comes together quickly and easily, making it a go-to weeknight winner or a charming dinner for friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the vibrant flavors and satisfying texture in this salmon pasta. From the juicy cherry tomatoes that pop with sweetness to the fresh basil adding herbal brightness, you’ll find that simplicity and quality shine through.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for a tender, flaky result that’s rich in flavor.
- Spaghetti: This pasta shape holds sauce beautifully and provides the perfect base for the dish.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness are key for a fresh, vibrant sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds a warm aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- Fresh basil: Torn basil leaves deliver a lively, peppery herbaceousness that brings everything together.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and texture.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens the dish with subtle acidity and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat, if you like a little kick.
How to Make Salmon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the spaghetti. Cooking the pasta until al dente ensures it has the perfect bite to soak up the flavors from the sauce later. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid helps create a silky consistency when combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the salmon
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Patting the salmon dry before placing it skin-side down helps achieve a beautiful, crispy skin. Sear each side just long enough until cooked through but still tender—about 4 to 5 minutes on the skin side and 2 to 3 minutes on the other. Once cooked, set the salmon aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté garlic and blister cherry tomatoes
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking them until they blister and release their juicy sweetness, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base for your pasta sauce and adds vibrant color to the dish.
Step 4: Combine pasta with tomatoes
Return the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the blistered tomatoes. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling luxuriously to each noodle. This simple technique elevates your dish from ordinary pasta to a beautifully coated, flavorful plate.
Step 5: Reintroduce the salmon
Gently nestle the salmon back into the pan with the pasta and tomatoes, allowing it to warm through for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the salmon moist and enables all the flavors to mingle without overcooking the delicate fish.
Step 6: Finish with lemon and seasoning
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish, transforming it with a bright, zesty lift. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy note. Tear fresh basil over the top to summon that irresistible herbal aroma right before serving.
Step 7: Serve immediately
The final touch is to serve this Salmon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe hot and fresh, garnished with extra basil or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. This will enhance the natural fragrance and make every bite as delightful as intended.
How to Serve Salmon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
To make your salmon pasta look as good as it tastes, consider fresh basil leaves, a scatter of lemon zest, or even a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These little touches add freshness, color, and shine, turning your meal into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple side salads featuring peppery arugula or crisp romaine dressed lightly with a lemon vinaigrette, complementing the bright flavors in your salmon pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also make excellent choices, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls, placing the salmon fillets atop the noodles to showcase their golden sear. Alternatively, toss everything together and mound the pasta in the center of a large platter with basil leaves layered artistically, perfect for family-style dining or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Salmon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salmon moist, try to separate it from the pasta if possible, and gently reheat both components.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t recommended due to the delicate texture of both salmon and fresh basil, which can deteriorate in quality. For best results, enjoy this salmon pasta fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Add the salmon carefully near the end to warm it through without drying it out. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. The key is choosing pasta that holds onto the sauce well without overpowering the delicate salmon and tomatoes.
Is it necessary to use fresh basil, or can I use dried?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and aroma, which complement the tomatoes and salmon perfectly. Dried basil lacks the brightness and won’t deliver the same freshness, but in a pinch, a small pinch can suffice.
Can I substitute other fish for salmon?
Yes, you can! However, choose fish with firm, flavorful flesh such as trout or cod. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil when tossing the pasta. Freshly diced chili peppers can also be sautéed with the garlic to build heat gradually.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes? Can I use regular tomatoes?
You can use regular tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and quick cooking time. If using large tomatoes, dice them and sauté until softened and juicy to mimic the results you want.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create an unforgettable meal. The combination of fresh, bright flavors with the hearty texture of perfectly cooked salmon is simply magic on a plate. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delicious as I do every time.
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Salmon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Salmon Pasta featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets tossed with al dente spaghetti, blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of lemon. This quick and easy skillet dish balances rich seafood flavors with fresh, zesty accents for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining to use later for sauce consistency.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes blister and become juicy.
- Toss Pasta with Tomatoes: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the blistered tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to coat the noodles evenly and create a light sauce.
- Warm Salmon With Pasta: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet and allow them to warm through with the pasta for 1–2 minutes, integrating flavors.
- Season and Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them on top for a fresh herbal aroma.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired, for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Ensure salmon is patted dry before searing for a crisp skin.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Fresh basil enhances aroma and taste; substitute with parsley if unavailable.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
