Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta

Recipe Directions

1. For best results, take the salmon out of the refrigerator 5 minutes before starting to cook. If you skip this step, you may need to cook the fish longer than this recipe card indicates.
2. Fill a 4-6 quart pot 2/3 full with water. Put the pot on the stove over high heat. Add 2 tbsp of salt to the water. (The water should taste salty). When the water is boiling, add the orecchiette pasta (a) to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. When the pan has warmed up, add 1 tbsp of oil or enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the vegetables (b) to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. After 2 minutes, add the sundried tomato sauce (c) to the pan. Stir well to coat the vegetables with sauce. Bring the sauce up to a simmer, and then turn the heat down to medium or medium-low to maintain a simmer.
5. Cut open the package of salmon (d) and place on a plate. Season on both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat another skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. When the pan has warmed up, add 1 tbsp of oil or enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Place the salmon in the pan, with the “presentation” side down (the nice-looking and smooth side).
6. Cook the salmon for 3 ½ minutes, then use a spatula to flip the fish over and sear on the other side for 1 minute (if you are preparing 4+ servings, sear for 2 minutes). After searing, turn the heat off on the pan, but keep the fish in the pan until you are ready to serve.
7. When the pasta is cooked to your liking, strain the water from the noodles. Add the pasta to the pan of vegetables and sauce. Gently stir to mix everything together. Add the baby spinach (e) to the pasta and sauce and gently mix it in.
8. Crack open the lid on the pumpkin seed pesto (f). Heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Spoon the warm pesto on to your serving plates. Spread the puree out with the back of a dinner spoon so that it covers the bottom of each plate.
9. Spoon the pasta and vegetables over the pesto. Place the salmon on top. Sprinkle grana padano cheese (g) over the dish.