Tomato Basil Salmon Pasta
Enjoy restaurant-quality Tomato Basil Salmon Pasta at home. This recipe features salmon, rotini, and a rich tomato basil sauce!
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 708kcal
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- chopped parsley, for garnish
- salt, to taste
Instructions
Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Salmon
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the salmon pieces. Use your hands or a spoon to gently rub it in, making sure all sides are coated.
- To a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat*, add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, place the salmon pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. To the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly in color.
- Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove from heat. Add grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
- Stir in chopped basil.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. (I added about ¼ cup pasta water.)
- Place the cooked salmon on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan. Salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
*Air Fryer Salmon
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Place the seasoned salmon bites in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
- Place the cooked salmon in a bowl as you make the sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portion | Calories: 708kcal