Description
This creamy and flavorful Salmon in Red Pesto Sauce combines tender seared salmon fillets with a rich, savory sauce made from crushed tomatoes, red pesto, cream cheese, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick and impressive 30-minute meal that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- 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 serving
- Chili flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Seasoning: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Preparation: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves so they can cook evenly and release their flavors into the sauce.
- Searing the Salmon: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sautéing Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, a teaspoon each of salt and pepper, then add the crushed tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil to blend the flavors.
- Adding the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the red pesto and cream cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, incorporating the vibrant flavors beautifully.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the spinach to the sauce and cook for about 1 minute, just until it softens and wilts slightly without losing its color or texture.
- Simmer with Salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet. Let them cook gently in the sauce for an additional 3 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked through but still tender.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle chili flakes over the dish to add a subtle heat and fresh herbal note before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative or coconut cream.
- Serve this salmon dish with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- To ensure even cooking, use salmon fillets of similar thickness.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with baby kale or Swiss chard for variation.
