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Lemon Basil Salmon with Roasted Tomato Pasta

A simple yet sophisticated dish combining tender salmon, zesty lemon, fresh basil, and roasted cherry tomatoes, served with pasta for a delightful meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Basil, Healthy Dinner, Lemon, Pasta, Salmon
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 525kcal

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 pieces salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional) Can be omitted for a lighter version
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Divided into two parts
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Plus more for topping
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)

For the Tomato Pasta

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 12 oz linguine pasta (or any pasta you like)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges for serving

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 basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and brush each with the lemon-basil mixture. Allow the salmon to marinate for about 15 minutes.
  • On a separate tray, toss the cherry tomatoes with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the rest of the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

  • Roast the salmon for 12–15 minutes and the tomatoes for 15–20 minutes until the tomatoes are juicy and burst.
  • While roasting, cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Assembly

  • In a large pan, combine the roasted cherry tomatoes (including their juices) and butter if using. Add the drained pasta.
  • Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  • Stir in the remaining basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and capers if using.
  • Plate the pasta, placing the roasted salmon fillet on top, and garnish with extra basil and lemon wedges.

Notes

For a more rounded meal, consider serving with a side salad or crusty whole-grain bread. You can modify herbs based on preferences; dill or parsley can replace basil.