Savory Salmon Penne with Basil Pesto Cream and Spring Vegetables
Inspired by a delightful dining experience at McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, this deliciously savory dish combines perfectly cooked salmon, al dente penne pasta, and a rich basil pesto cream sauce. Adding artichoke hearts and tender asparagus introduces a burst of freshness that elevates this one-dish meal to new heights. Whether you're serving family or friends, this dish is a stunning centerpiece that showcases harmony in flavor and texture, making every bite a celebration of Mediterranean delights. Serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan and cracked black pepper for an irresistible finish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
salmon fillet
1 lb (cut into 1-inch cubes)
butter
1/4 cup (melted (for salmon))
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (to season salmon)
sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
penne pasta
1 lb (dry)
butter
1/2 cup (for the sauce)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
half-and-half
1 cup
garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon (to season sauce)
basil pesto
2-3 tablespoons (to taste)
artichoke hearts
10 1/2 ounces (quarter the canned hearts)
asparagus
1/2 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes and evenly distribute them in a buttered baking dish.
3
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the salmon cubes, ensuring they are well coated.
4
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Keep it warm after taking it out.
5
While the salmon is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes).
6
During the last 3-5 minutes of pasta cooking time, cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and add them to the boiling water. Once done, drain the pasta and vegetables, then place them in a large serving bowl.
7
In a separate saucepan, combine the butter, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and half-and-half. Add garlic salt and heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
8
Remove the sauce from heat and gently fold in the basil pesto, starting with a small amount to gauge flavor. Adjust according to your preference.
9
Next, fold the artichoke hearts into the pasta and asparagus mixture. Pour the creamy basil pesto sauce over the entire dish and mix lightly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
10
Finally, add the salmon cubes on top of the pasta mixture. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Salmon Penne with Basil Pesto Cream?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring baked salmon cubes, penne pasta, and a rich pesto cream sauce with asparagus and artichoke hearts.
How should I prepare the salmon for this recipe?
The salmon fillet should be cut into 1-inch cubes and distributed in a buttered baking dish before seasoning and baking.
What temperature should the oven be for the salmon?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the salmon need to bake?
Bake the salmon for approximately 15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
What seasoning is used on the salmon?
The salmon is seasoned with a mixture of melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one pound of dry penne pasta.
How long should I cook the penne pasta?
Cook the penne according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
When do I add the asparagus to the cooking process?
Add the 1-inch asparagus pieces to the boiling pasta water during the last 3 to 5 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
What ingredients are in the pesto cream sauce?
The sauce consists of butter, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, half-and-half, garlic salt, and basil pesto.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for the sauce.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by simmering the butter, cream cheese, parmesan, and half-and-half over medium heat while stirring constantly.
When should I add the basil pesto?
The basil pesto should be folded in after removing the sauce from the heat, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
How should the artichoke hearts be prepared?
You should use 10.5 ounces of canned artichoke hearts and quarter them before adding them to the pasta.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Fold the artichokes into the pasta and asparagus, pour the sauce over the mixture, and then top with the baked salmon cubes.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The dish is best served garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a dining experience at McCormick and Schmick's Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner option that incorporates fresh vegetables and protein-rich salmon.
Can I adjust the amount of basil pesto used?
Yes, the recipe suggests starting with a small amount and adjusting the 2-3 tablespoons of pesto to your personal flavor preference.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients used in this Savory Salmon Penne recipe.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The spring vegetables featured in this recipe are asparagus and artichoke hearts.
Should the salmon be kept warm after baking?
Yes, keep the salmon warm after removing it from the oven while you finish the pasta and sauce.
How much half-and-half is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of half-and-half to create the creamy sauce.
What kind of butter is used for the salmon?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of melted butter specifically for coating the salmon cubes.
Is this considered a Mediterranean dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a Mediterranean celebration of flavor and texture.
What type of salt is used for seasoning the salmon?
Sea salt is recommended for seasoning the salmon before baking.
How much parmesan cheese is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What size should the asparagus pieces be?
The asparagus should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
How much salmon do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 pound of salmon fillet.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Combine the butter, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and half-and-half in a separate saucepan.
Can this dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the dish immediately after the salmon is added on top.