Salmon rocket pasta
Enjoy a fresh and satisfying meal with this salmon rocket pasta. Our rendition boasts a mix of salmon, rocket salad, and a rocket and pesto cream cheese sauce that come together effortlessly. A touch of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon elevate the final result, making it both quick and impressive – a must-try for pasta lovers!
Ingredients
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Rocket and pesto cream cheese
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200 g |
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Dried pasta
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400 g |
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Salmon filet, skin and bones removed
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300 g |
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Rocket, washed and drained
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75 – 100 g |
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Lemon, zest
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1 |
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Garlic clove, minced
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1 |
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Shallot
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1 |
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Olive oil
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2 tbsp |
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Cooking water from the pasta
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Salt and pepper
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Parmesan cheese
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Instructions
Choose the right pasta
Pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bow ties are ideal for the salmon rocket pasta. Their ridges and twists allow the sauce to cling to every piece, ensuring a well-coated bite. These pasta shapes also provide a satisfying contrast to the tender salmon, offering a more dynamic texture with each mouthful. You can also use longer strands of pasta, such as tagliatelle or spaghetti. Still, we suggest penne, fusilli, bow ties, or similar types to get the best textural contrast to the other ingredients.
Gently combine the ingredients
When you add the salmon to the sauce, fold it in with care. This ensures that the salmon stays in tender pieces rather than breaking apart too much. The slightly larger chunks of fish provide a lovely bite, while also allowing its natural oils to mix evenly throughout the pasta. This way, the salmon retains its delicate texture and adds just the right amount of richness to each bite.
Selecting high-quality salmon
Choose fresh salmon with a vibrant colour and firm flesh. You want to avoid salmon that looks dull or feels mushy to the touch. Choosing fillets with an even thickness ensures the salmon cooks evenly, delivering tender, flaky pieces that pair perfectly with the pasta. Look for a mild, clean scent as a sign of freshness, rather than anything overly strong or pungent.
Reviving leftovers
To keep the pasta with sauce creamy and moist when reheating, stir in a small amount of reserved pasta water or plain water. This helps loosen up the sauce without diluting its flavour. Reheating slowly will maintain the tender texture of both the salmon and the pasta.
FAQ: Questions about salmon rocket pasta
Salmon rocket pasta combines rich salmon with peppery of rocket, creating a meal that is quick, flavourful, and satisfying. Below, we answer some common questions to help you make the most of this recipe.
Can salmon rocket pasta be served cold?
Can I use fresh or smoked salmon instead?
How do I cook the salmon perfectly?
Other recipes
Make fresh and savoury salmon rocket pasta
Salmon rocket pasta combines the richness of salmon with the smooth texture of a creamy rocket and pesto cream cheese sauce. The fresh rocket leaves provide a sharp, peppery contrast, while the salmon adds a mild, buttery richness. The smoothness of the sauce ties all the ingredients together, adding a velvety consistency.
Tossed together with the sauce, the pasta absorbs the flavour perfectly. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top brings a subtle nuttiness, while the fresh rocket adds a bit of colour and a slightly crisp texture. Are you looking for something quick, simple, and impressive both in taste and looks? Then, salmon rocket pasta is the way to go!
Succulent salmon fried with shallots, garlic, and zesty lemon
If you love salmon as much as we do, you will love how its rich flavour pairs smoothly with the fresh rocket and cream cheese sauce. Its natural oils bring a buttery texture, while the flaky meat adds a satisfying contrast to the pasta. Shallots, with their mild sweetness, and garlic, with its earthy warmth, create a fragrant and well-rounded flavour.
The brightness of the lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note, balancing the taste of the salmon without overpowering the other ingredients. It introduces a lively touch that keeps the meal light and invigorating. These carefully chosen flavours work seamlessly with the rocket and sauce, making every bite enjoyable.
A creamy touch from herbaceous pesto cream cheese
The rocket and pesto-flavoured cream cheese delivers a velvety smoothness with a subtle herbaceous taste. It is infused with the flavours of basil and rocket, adding a light herbal quality that complements the richness of the salmon. Its creamy consistency coats the pasta beautifully, giving each bite a satisfying, silky texture.
A weeknight dinner or weekend lunch in no time
This tasty pasta dish is your go-to recipe when time is short, but you still want something delicious and satisfying. Whether you are juggling a busy workday or looking for a simple weekend lunch, this recipe comes together easily in almost no time. This makes it perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
It also works equally well for a relaxed family meal or when you entertain friends for a casual lunch. Its simplicity means you can serve it up without any stress, while still impressing your guests. No need to overthink it – our salmon rocket pasta fits seamlessly into your schedule.
Explore some of our other easy recipes that you can have ready in no time, like kale pasta, grilled salmon salad, prawn and pea pasta, rocket avocado salad, or Greek pasta salad. These are all quick to make and fit both lunch and dinner, casual and fancy.
Get creative with the ingredients
This recipe allows plenty of room for creativity! Fresh herbs like basil or dill can add colour and freshness. If you enjoy a bit of spice, a sprinkle of chilli flakes will add warmth, complementing the cream cheese sauce without making it overly spicy. Capers are another option, adding a salty, briny bite that works well with the lemon and garlic.
For extra texture, you can include toasted pine nuts or almonds, which bring a pleasant crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes are a great addition, too, providing a sweet, tangy contrast that goes beautifully with the salmon. If you prefer a little more creaminess, crumbled goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese sauce. For a finishing touch, try squeezing a bit of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavours.
