If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, creamy textures with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle is your new go-to meal. With tender salmon fillets nestled alongside farfalle pasta in a luscious basil pesto cream sauce, every bite feels like a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings wholesome ingredients and effortless elegance to the table.

Why It Works Every Time

The magic behind Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle lies in its harmonious blend of ingredients and textures. The farfalle pasta, with its bow-tie shape, holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is coated in that luxurious creamy pesto. Salmon provides a rich, flaky protein that’s both flavorful and nutritious, offering a satisfying depth without overwhelming the palate.

The combination of heavy cream and basil pesto creates a sauce that’s indulgent yet fresh, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a subtle tang and chewy texture, brightening the dish without overpowering it. This balanced layering of flavors and textures makes Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle a dish that’s comforting, exciting, and endlessly satisfying.

The Ingredient Lineup

8 oz farfalle pasta – The perfect shape to trap sauce and ingredients.
2 salmon fillets – Fresh, skinless, and boneless for easy cooking and eating.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the salmon to golden perfection.
1 cup heavy cream – Adds a rich, smooth texture to the sauce.
1/2 cup basil pesto – The heart of the dish; you can use store-bought or try making your own Homemade Basil Pesto for extra freshness.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a savory depth and melts into the sauce beautifully.
Salt to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper to taste – Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Brings a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.

Tools & Equipment Needed

Large pot – For boiling the pasta to al dente perfection.
Large skillet or frying pan – Ideal for cooking the salmon and simmering the sauce.
Colander – To drain the cooked pasta.
Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce gently.
Chef’s knife – To chop sun-dried tomatoes and garnish basil.
Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient quantities.

Cook Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle Like This

Step 1: Cook the Farfalle Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Reserve a small cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Salmon

While the pasta cooks, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is on) or presentation side down. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits left from the salmon. Stir in 1/2 cup of basil pesto and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add the drained farfalle pasta and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes directly into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Add Salmon and Garnish

Flake the seared salmon into large chunks and fold them carefully into the pasta mixture. Avoid breaking the salmon into tiny pieces to keep the texture intact. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, colorful finish.

Swap Guide

Salmon: Substitute with other firm fish like cod or halibut, or try grilled chicken breast for a different protein option.
Heavy cream: Use coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist while maintaining creaminess.
Basil pesto: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a unique flavor profile.
Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative that still adds a cheesy flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Swap for roasted red peppers, which also pair beautifully with creamy pesto sauces, much like in this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni recipe.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Overcooking the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly and can become dry if left too long. Remove from heat as soon as it flakes easily.
Boiling pasta too long: Overcooked farfalle loses its texture and won’t hold the sauce well. Stick to al dente for the best bite.
Not seasoning enough: Creamy sauces can taste flat without proper salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Adding pesto too early: Heating pesto directly on high heat can dull its fresh flavor. Stir it in gently with cream to preserve its vibrant taste.

Storing Tips & Timelines

This Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Because salmon can dry out when reheated, avoid the microwave if possible and reheat slowly. For best flavor and texture, enjoy this dish fresh whenever you can.

Handy Q&A

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the salmon’s texture.

Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?

Absolutely! Substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative. Just be mindful that the sauce might be slightly less rich, but still delicious.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep some components like chopping sun-dried tomatoes and making the pesto sauce in advance. However, it’s best to cook the salmon and combine everything right before serving to keep the textures fresh.

What can I serve alongside Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle?

A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables pairs wonderfully, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

Cook This Next

Homemade Basil Pesto – Master your pesto for all your favorite dishes.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni – Another luscious pasta recipe bursting with flavor.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Bright and zesty, perfect for seafood lovers.
One-Pot Spinach and Tomato Pasta – Easy, wholesome, and packed with veggies.

Let’s Eat

This Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle is comfort food at its finest—rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. From the tender salmon to the silky pesto cream sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe brings warmth and elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. So grab your fork, dig in, and enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy, fresh, and savory flavors that make Creamy Pesto Salmon Farfalle a timeless favorite.

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