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 Sun-dried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake?
- 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.
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. I know it’s good, because we have eaten it 4 times ourselves in the past month (and we never eat the same dish 4 times in a month).
The first time I made it, my one year old ate 4 (FOUR) bowls, and there was barely enough left to feed my husband when he got home from work. I foresee a lot of fighting over food in the future for those two.
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.
I use salmon, but some shredded chicken, or broccoli for the vegetarians, works just as well in there. Use your imagination and get creative, it really is a versatile dish (as is the case for a lot of the meals you can find at whole food bellies).
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.
I would love to hear how you go with the sun-dried tomato and salmon alfredo pasta. It is a firm favourite in our house. If you do give it a go, be sure to pop back and leave a comment 🙂
- 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
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees
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Cook pasta according to package instructions
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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
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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
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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).
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Using a fork, gently flake the salmon into the alfredo mixture
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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)
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Serve garnished with parsley with a nice hunk of fresh bread and a salad on the side
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
Omg this pasta bake looks absolutely delicious!! I will definitely be pinning this so I can give your recipe a try!
Oh thank you CourtneyLynne 🙂 Hope you love it!!
This looks delicious! I’m always willing to try a new pasta dish. 🙂
🙂
We eat Salmon like people drink water. This would be a perfect dish in my house. I am pinning and will try it for dinner!
Haha you sound like my mum – every time I ask what she is having for dinner there is salmon involved 🙂 Hope you love it!
I love using salmon in new ways like this. I’ve never put it in a pasta bake before! I bet the flavors with the sundried tomatoes are amazing
It is super delicious 🙂
This sounds delicious! I’m always looking for meals that I can make quickly and share with neighbors and friends.
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 🙂
This looks so good. My hubby would love something like this!
🙂
Thanks for sharing this…a few substitutions and I can easily make this vegan (minus the salmon and dairy).
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 🙂
I am drooling just looking my screen. This looks unbelievably tasty. Definitely something my boyfriend and myself would enjoy!
Haha thanks Teresa 🙂
This has some of my favorite ingredients. Once you add that to the easy prep time, it’s a definite must-try!
I agree 🙂
Looks like an easy meal to whip up for the family after a busy day at work or on the road
It sure is 🙂
My family loves salmon and pasta. Needless to say I’m sure they would love this recipe.
I am sure they would 🙂
Pasta with salmon is different. I now would love to remix my next Alfredo pasta with it!
Yeah you should try it, so yummy!!
I love that this recipe uses salmon. I get stuck in a rut of the main meats (beef, chicken, pork) and am ready to break out and try new things!
Ugh I know right, I get stuck in a rut as well sometimes!
Pasta and salmon, my favorites! I honestly would not have thought to make them in a dish together.
I must be odd – I always combine them, but so many people are surprised by the combo 🙂 I love it!
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.
Haha thanks Rose 🙂 Yeah the sun-dried tomatoes just worked so well with the salmon!
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.
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 🙂
I bet this dish is good! Sun dried tomatoes and salmon are two great flavors. Combining the two just seems delicious!
It certainly is delicious 🙂
Yum these are all my fav ingredients. Love this idea and will certainly try it.
Oh I hope you do TP! We love it 🙂
Oh this really looks great. I am actually doing pasta tomorrow but will have to save this for another day. Looks totally yummy!
Thanks Amanda 🙂
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!
You are very welcome 🙂
I am going to have to make this for my husband. I bet he would absolutely love this!
I hope he does 🙂 Mine is a big fan!
I have never had salmon with pasta before. This looks really good, though! I may have to try it.
It works really well! I always pair salmon with pasta, it tends to light it up a bit 🙂
this looks delicious. i do enjoy a good pasta dish.
Me too 🙂
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.
I have made a vegetarian version subbing in some steamed broccoli, and it was really good!!
I love salmon and why I didn’t think of pairing it with tomatoes is beyond me. Thanks for a recipe I look forward to making!
I hope you love it as much as we do Terri 🙂 Yeah I guess it seems like an odd pairing, but it works so well I do it all the time!
OH wow, that sounds so delicious. I love meals like this and I know my family will love it.
Thanks Robin! Anything that can be made in one pan and is simple and delicious gets a tick in my books 🙂