I spend a month every summer in Alaska, enjoying sun filled nights while fishing the Kenai River. These trips leave our freezer stocked full of salmon. So I'm always looking for new ways to cook it up. But here's one of my go-to recipes. The flavor, textures, and ease of this recipe will make it one of your favorites as well.

PESTO CRUSTED SALMON WITH PESTO-DILL PASTA

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound penne pasta
5 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup pesto
1 cup diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons basil, chopped
3 tablespoons dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
To taste: Salt, pepper, lemon pepper and garlic powder
4 (4 ounce) salmon filets, skinless and boneless
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook till al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain pasta and place in large bowl. Add in 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 cup pesto, tomatoes, basil, dill and 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice. Season to taste with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Toss to combine.

2. Meanwhile, set oven to 350 degrees. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium high heat.

3. Pat dry salmon filets and season lightly with salt, lemon pepper and garlic powder. Place top side down, in hot skillet. Let sear 3-4 minutes, until browned and crisp. Flip over filets and slather evenly with 1-2 tablespoons of pesto. Sprinkle on panko crumbs, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and place skillet in oven. Bake for about 5 minutes and then switch oven to broil, HIGH. Broil for 1-2 minutes, until panko is golden and crisp. Serve over pasta with lemon wedges.