Why I Love This Recipe

Some dinners just feel a little extra special, and this is one of them. The salmon comes out perfectly flaky with a golden parmesan crust that adds the best crunch, while the pesto pasta keeps things simple, creamy, and packed with fresh basil flavor. It looks like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy enough to make any night of the week.

Enjoying The Leftovers

Leftover salmon and pesto pasta make an incredible lunch the next day. I like to flake the salmon over the pasta so every bite gets a little bit of that crispy parmesan topping. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving to brighten everything back up.

Storing

Store the salmon and pesto pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps the salmon maintain its texture and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much moisture.

Reheating

Warm the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheat the salmon in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to help crisp the parmesan topping again before serving.

A bowl being held up of pesto pasta with parmesan crusted salmon and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.
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Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Pesto Pasta

Crispy parmesan-crusted salmon meets vibrant pesto pasta in this easy dinner that's simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. With flaky salmon, a buttery golden topping, and herb-packed pasta, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
US M
Servings 6

Ingredients

For the salmon
  • 4, 6 oz pieces of salmon
  • 1 1/2 tbsp mayo
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
  • Sprinkle of salt and pepper
For the parmesan crust
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp italian seasoning
For the pesto pasta
  • 16 oz pasta of choice
  • 8 oz jar pesto
Toppings
  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese
US – M

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add the mayo, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then brush evenly over the salmon.
  • Add all the parmesan crust ingredients to a medium bowl and mix well until the mixture sticks together in clumps. If it is still too dry, add a little more melted butter and mix again.
  • Add the parmesan crust to the top of the salmon and press lightly all over the salmon to make an even layer of crust.
  • Air fry at 380 for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked. The cooking time will greatly depend on how thick your salmon is, so keep an eye on it!
  • Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the box instructions. Once finished, add the entire jar of pesto to the pasta and mix.
  • Once finished, add some pasta and a piece of salmon to your bowl. Top with some freshly chopped basil and some more parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Equipment

air fryer
measuring cups
mixing bowls
cutting board

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 724kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 33g | Fiber: 4g