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Lemon Basil Salmon with Roasted Tomato Pasta

A delightful combination of flaky salmon, vibrant herbs, and roasted tomatoes over pasta, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy Pasta Dish, Family Dinner, Healthy Recipe, Lemon Basil Salmon, Roasted Tomato Pasta
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 540kcal

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 pieces salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional) For added richness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Divided use.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Plus more for topping.

For the Pasta and Tomatoes

  • 12 oz linguine pasta (or any pasta you like)
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided Used for roasting and marinade.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pasta water Reserved before draining.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, half of the minced garlic, half of the chopped basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and brush with the lemon-basil mixture. Marinate for about 15 minutes.
  • In a separate tray, toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, remaining minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet.

Cooking

  • Roast the salmon for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
  • Roast the tomatoes for 15-20 minutes until juicy and burst.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, combine roasted tomatoes (with juices) and butter (if using) with drained pasta.
  • Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed, then stir in remaining chopped basil, grated Parmesan, and capers if using.

Serving

  • Plate the pasta, top with salmon, and garnish with basil leaves and lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra flavor, try using a mixture of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley along with basil. For a creamier sauce, stir in heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche after mixing in the pasta. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta varieties can be used for dietary needs.