Easy Baked Salmon with Pesto Cream Sauce – Weeknight Delight

Name: Easy Baked Salmon with Pesto Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets; 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

By Maria Del

September 4, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of Easy Baked Salmon with Pesto Cream Sauce wafting through your kitchen. The rich, buttery flavor of salmon meets the zesty punch of pesto in a creamy sauce that dances on your palate. It’s like a party for your taste buds, and everyone is invited, especially on busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.

Picture this: you rush home after a long day, and within minutes, you have a gourmet meal ready to grace your table. This dish has been my go-to for impressing dinner guests or simply indulging after a hectic workweek. Trust me; once you taste this salmon drizzled with that delightful pesto cream sauce, you’ll want to keep it in your weeknight rotation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Baked Salmon with Pesto Cream Sauce offers incredible flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen
Customizable to suit seasonal ingredients, it’s visually stunning and perfect for any occasion
The vibrant colors and enticing aromas elevate your weeknight meals effortlessly

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my uncle nearly wept with joy. Who knew salmon could evoke such emotion?

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh, high-quality fillets for the best flavor and texture; wild-caught is usually my top choice.
Pesto Sauce: Store-bought or homemade works wonderfully; just ensure it’s packed with fresh basil for that vibrant flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; avoid substitutes unless you’re looking for a lighter option.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish beautifully; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
Garlic Powder: A pinch enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the freshness of the other ingredients.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential; season to taste for that perfect balance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking while you prepare everything else.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. You want that glorious salmon sliding right out later.

Season the Salmon Fillets: Place the salmon fillets in the prepared dish and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Imagine those flavors sinking into every bite.

Create the Pesto Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine pesto sauce, heavy cream, and lemon juice until smooth. The mixture should be vibrant green and smell heavenly—like summer in a bowl.

Pour and Bake: Pour the pesto cream sauce over the seasoned salmon fillets. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it; no one likes dry fish!

Garnish and Serve!: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra lemon zest for color and zing!

With each step, you can already imagine how amazing your kitchen will smell—and trust me, it’s worth every minute spent preparing this dish!

You Must Know

This easy baked salmon with pesto cream sauce is a weeknight superhero
It’s quick, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with a side salad or some crispy roasted potatoes
The vibrant green pesto gives it a fresh twist that will impress everyone around the table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, prepare the salmon and sauce sequentially for optimal timing.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish with different herbs or vegetables. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or using different types of fish for variety.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the salmon moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect salmon, ensure it’s at room temperature before baking
This helps it cook evenly
Always check for doneness with a fork; it should flake easily when done
Lastly, don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer for robust flavor

Sharing my first attempt at this dish brings back memories of my friends’ surprised faces as they devoured every bite, asking if I had hired a chef.

FAQs

FAQ

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor and texture for easy baked salmon with pesto cream sauce.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and adds great flavor without any fuss.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

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