Salmon rocket pasta

Salmon rocket pasta

Cooking time 15 min
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!
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/salmon-rocket-pasta/

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and set aside the water to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
  • Cut salmon into fine strips.
  • Heat oil in a pan, add shallot, garlic, and lemon zest and sauté for a few minutes.
  • Add salmon and cook for another minute.
  • Mix in cream cheese and 100 ml of the reserved pasta water. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add pasta and rocket salad to the pan, gently tossing everything together until well combined. ​​Serve with Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy!
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?
Yes, this pasta can be served cold, which makes it a great option for picnics or quick meals on hot days. When chilled, the creaminess of the pesto holds up well, while the lemon zest brightens the flavours to keep it all refreshing. The rocket adds a slightly bitter edge that works nicely when served at a cooler temperature, offering a different yet equally enjoyable take on the meal.
Can I use fresh or smoked salmon instead?
Yes, fresh or smoked salmon both work beautifully in this recipe. Fresh salmon brings a more delicate, buttery flavour, while smoked salmon offers a rich, smoky taste. Fresh salmon feels lighter compared to smoked salmon, which makes it more robust and does not require much prep time.
How do I cook the salmon perfectly?
Cut the salmon into fine strips, so it cooks quickly. Cook it for just about a minute to keep it tender and ensure it absorbs the flavours from the pan without becoming dry. There is no need for long cooking, just enough to turn the salmon opaque and slightly flaky. This results in a moist, delicate texture that complements the sauce and pasta perfectly.

Ingredients

Rocket and pesto cream cheese
200 g
Dried pasta
400 g
Salmon filet, skin and bones removed
300 g
Rocket, washed and drained
75 – 100 g
Lemon, zest
1
Garlic clove, minced
1
Shallot
1
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Cooking water from the pasta
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese

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.