Tomato Pasta with Honey-glazed Salmon

This Tomato Pasta with Honey-Glazed Salmon is the perfect dish for a warm spring or summer evening — or even in winter when you’re craving the taste of summer and can get your hands on good tomatoes.

The seared salmon develops a crisp, golden crust while staying tender inside, and the honey adds an irresistible touch of sweetness that elevates the whole dish. Butter and rosemary enhance the salmon’s delicate flavor, while the tomato sauce brings a rich, slightly sweet depth and balances perfectly with the aromatic contrast of Parmesan, rosemary, and garlic.

This meal is hearty yet light enough for a summer night, packed with protein, healthy fats, satisfying carbs, and essential micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — a dinner that nourishes both body and soul!

Ingredients for 4

For the Pasta

• 360 g pasta
• 500 g cherry tomatoes
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1-2 rosemary sprigs
• 15-20 basil leaves

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (150-180 g or 5-6 oz)
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
• 1-2 rosemary sprigs
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 4 tsp honey
• Optionally: lemon

Recipe

I. Make the Tomato Pasta

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain well, reserving some pasta water for the tomato sauce.
• Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. Cut the tomatoes in half and peel the garlic.
• Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and garlic cloves. Fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the tomatoes, the rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Fry for 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and slightly brown.
• Add 1 teaspoon of honey and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Gradually add more pasta water if needed.
• Let the tomatoes simmer on medium-low to medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until a nice sauce has formed.

II. Sear the Salmon

• While the tomatoes are simmering, prepare the salmon fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter once hot. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down, pressing lightly for the first 20-30 seconds to make the fillets crispier. Add garlic and rosemary to the skillet.
• Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on the skin-side and 2-3 on the skinless side, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Add the honey to the skillet and continue to sear the fillets in the honey-butter for 1 minute on each side, until golden brown and crisp on the outside but tender inside. Remove the salmon from the skillet immediately.

III. Serve

• Combine the drained pasta with the tomato sauce, stirring until fully coated. Mix in the grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
• Serve immediately with the honey-glazed salmon on top. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon over the salmon for extra brightness.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp salad.