Salmon, Pasta baked to perfection.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Description:
Salmon pasta bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines flaky salmon, pasta, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. Here's a simple recipe for making salmon pasta bake:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of pasta (penne, rotini, or any type of pasta you prefer)
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6-8 ounces each), skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Method:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches) with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and break it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Add Liquid: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Salmon: Add the cooked pasta and flaked salmon to the skillet with the cream sauce. If you'd like, you can also add 1/2 cup of frozen peas at this point. Gently stir to combine, making sure the pasta and salmon are well coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until they are melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the salmon and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Optional Topping: If you like a crunchy topping, you can mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Once the salmon pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and then serve while it's hot.