Lightened Up Sundried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta 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, cheesy goodness with sun-dried tomatoes studded in there to give it a little pop of sunshine.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Lightened Up Sundried Tomato and Salmon Pasta Alfredo Bake

Whole Food Bellies

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.

3.8 from 15 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 serves

Calories 331 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese
• ¼ cup chicken broth or more, to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb salmon skin off
• 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• ¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoon 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: 331kcalCarbohydrates: 35.6gProtein: 25gFat: 11.9gSaturated Fat: 4.6gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 158mgFiber: 5.5gSugar: 5.8g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Don’t forget to follow Whole Food Bellies on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post! Let’s keep the conversation going- join my Facebook group! 

Need some more salmon recipes?

• 6 Ingredient Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl
• Quinoa and Milk Poached Salmon Burgers
• Salsa Verde Baked Salmon In Foil
• 4 Ingredient Teriyaki Salmon