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Lightened Up Sundried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake

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A lightened up twist on the traditional alfredo, this sundried tomato, and salmon alfredo is every bit as indulgent as the original, but without loads of heavy cream. Creamy, cheesy goodness with sun-dried tomatoes studded in there to give it a little pop of sunshine.

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salmon alfredo

Sun-dried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake

I have whipped up a couple of batches of this sun-dried tomato and salmon alfredo pasta this month for various friends. Whenever a friend is having a hard time, or just in need of a little TLC this little beauty is my go-to comfort dish. Why? Well:

  • it is quick and easy to prepare;
  • it can be prepared in advance, so your friends (or you) can just pop into the oven when needed;
  • it is hearty without being too heavy;
  • there’s cheese (need I say more?);
  • it can all be prepared in one pan (less dishes? yes please);
  • it is freezer friendly.
Sundried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake

Meal Prepping Instructions For Salmon Alfredo Pasta

I tend to whip everything up and pop it into one of those disposable baking dish thingumajigs and then pass it on, leaving instructions to bake for about 15 minutes when the urge hits.

  • Make it up to step 7 in the recipe card below and then add it to a disposable baking tray
  • Store in the fridge until ready to make
  • Bake in the oven for 15 minutes and then continue with step 8.
Sundried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake

What Makes This Different From a Traditional Alfredo?

This salmon alfredo pasta is lighter than a traditional alfredo recipe, and therefore totally acceptable when it’s a bit warmer outside.

We use some milk and a little bit of cream cheese instead of loads of heavy cream, just to lighten it up a bit. But it is still totally creamy, cheesy and indulgent (I promise). It is without a doubt every bit as comforting as the original, with only half the guilt 🙂 I just know you will love it.

It also comes together in ONE pot! I love using Lodge Pans for my one pot meals. They are such great quality and last forever.

salmon alfredo

Substitutions

I use salmon, but you could also sub in:

  • some shredded cooked chicken,
  • shredded rotisserie chicken (you can even make your own)
  • some lightly steamed broccoli for the vegetarians

Use your imagination and get creative!

40 Minute Honey Wheat Dinner Rolls
These homemade rolls make the perfect side for mopping up that creamy sauce!

If you need some bread for mopping up all that delicious creamy, cheesy goodness, why don’t you whip up a batch of these honey wheat dinner rolls. They only take 40 minutes from start to finish, and they make the perfect accompaniment. Pop a simple salad on the side and you are good to go.

Creamy Sundried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake
Print Recipe
3.38 from 8 votes

Lightened Up Sundried Tomato and Salmon Pasta Alfredo Bake

A lightened up twist on the traditional alfredo, this sundried tomato and salmon alfredo is every bit as indulgent as the original, but without loads of heavy cream. Creamy, cheesey goodness with sun dried tomatoes studded in there to give it a little pop of sunshine.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time35 mins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 serves
Calories: 331kcal
Author: Whole Food Bellies

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or more, to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb salmon skin off
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • chilli flakes to serve

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions
  • In a large skillet with a lid, melt the butter over med-high heat. Once melted, add in the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 mins, until fragrant
  • Whisk in the flour for about a minute and then gradually whisk in the milk, watching for lumps. Whisk continuously until the mixture has thickened slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream cheese and the chicken broth and mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste and turn the heat to low
  • Pop the salmon fillet into the alfredo mixture and put the lid on the skillet. Let it sit for about 3 minutes before flipping it over and putting the lid back on for another 3 mins (you may need a minute or two more on each side if it is a thicker cut).
  • Using a fork, gently flake the salmon into the alfredo mixture
  • Add the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture and stir well to combine. Sprinkle the parmesan on top and pop into the oven for 10-14 mins (see notes)
  • Serve garnished with parsley with a nice hunk of fresh bread and a salad on the side

Notes

If you are making for a friend or for the freezer then transfer to a greased dish or a disposable aluminium dish before topping with parmesan and putting into the oven.
To prepare ahead, then prepare right up to the end but don’t put in the oven. Cover and refrigerate until ready and then pop into the oven for 10-14 mins

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.6g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 11.9g | Saturated Fat: 4.6g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 158mg | Fiber: 5.5g | Sugar: 5.8g

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Need some more salmon recipes?

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Comments

  1. CourtneyLynne says

    Omg this pasta bake looks absolutely delicious!! I will definitely be pinning this so I can give your recipe a try!

    Reply

    • Donna1 says

      Me too! I love cooking, but a lot of the dishes I make aren’t easily transportable – this one is though, so handy to have around 🙂

      Reply

    • Donna1 says

      I haven’t made a vegan version yet, but the vegetarian version was really good. Definitely thinking it would be good with some non-dairy milk and some cashew cheese though! I may have to try that next time 🙂

      Reply

  8. Teresa says

    I am drooling just looking my screen. This looks unbelievably tasty. Definitely something my boyfriend and myself would enjoy!

    Reply

  15. Rose Sahetapy says

    Goodness! I’m glad I have pasta for my dinner now or I have to “suffer” looking at your super delicious recipe. I”ll give a try of this for sure. Dried tomato and salmon are perfect for pasta.

    Reply

  16. Heather says

    This sounds amazing! I love salmon, and so do my kids! I never thought to combine it into a pasta dish though, we usually just bake or grill it.

    Reply

    • Donna1 says

      Haha, I usually grill it as well. But we had a bit of an argument the other night when one kid wanted salmon, and the other wanted creamy pasta. I refuse to make separate dishes, so they were combined, and it worked wonderfully 🙂

      Reply

  20. Paula says

    This sounds so good – it’s a lot like a dish we make that we call “skillet” – adding salmon would be a great addition! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply

  24. Ana De- Jesus says

    Oooh penne is the best especially with tomato sauce I love the freshness of the dish. I am a veggie but I would love to substitute the salmon with quorn chicken.

    Reply

  26. Robin Masshole Mommy says

    OH wow, that sounds so delicious. I love meals like this and I know my family will love it.

    Reply

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