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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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
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
Nutrition
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
If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it. I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @wholefoodbellies so I can share it <3
CourtneyLynne says
Omg this pasta bake looks absolutely delicious!! I will definitely be pinning this so I can give your recipe a try!
Donna1 says
Oh thank you CourtneyLynne 🙂 Hope you love it!!
Pam @ Hodge Podge Moments says
This looks delicious! I'm always willing to try a new pasta dish. 🙂
Donna1 says
🙂
Denea says
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!
Donna1 says
Haha you sound like my mum - every time I ask what she is having for dinner there is salmon involved 🙂 Hope you love it!
Hannah Adkins says
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
Donna1 says
It is super delicious 🙂
Kim says
This sounds delicious! I'm always looking for meals that I can make quickly and share with neighbors and friends.
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 🙂
Amber Nelson says
This looks so good. My hubby would love something like this!
Donna1 says
🙂
Lucy Valdez says
Thanks for sharing this...a few substitutions and I can easily make this vegan (minus the salmon and dairy).
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 🙂
Teresa says
I am drooling just looking my screen. This looks unbelievably tasty. Definitely something my boyfriend and myself would enjoy!
Donna1 says
Haha thanks Teresa 🙂
Toni says
This has some of my favorite ingredients. Once you add that to the easy prep time, it's a definite must-try!
Donna1 says
I agree 🙂
Mardene Carr says
Looks like an easy meal to whip up for the family after a busy day at work or on the road
Donna1 says
It sure is 🙂
jill conyers says
My family loves salmon and pasta. Needless to say I'm sure they would love this recipe.
Donna1 says
I am sure they would 🙂
Kiwi says
Pasta with salmon is different. I now would love to remix my next Alfredo pasta with it!
Donna1 says
Yeah you should try it, so yummy!!
Beeb Ashcroft says
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!
Donna1 says
Ugh I know right, I get stuck in a rut as well sometimes!
Bernadette Callahan says
Pasta and salmon, my favorites! I honestly would not have thought to make them in a dish together.
Donna1 says
I must be odd - I always combine them, but so many people are surprised by the combo 🙂 I love it!
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.
Donna1 says
Haha thanks Rose 🙂 Yeah the sun-dried tomatoes just worked so well with the salmon!
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.
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 🙂
Dawn McAlexander says
I bet this dish is good! Sun dried tomatoes and salmon are two great flavors. Combining the two just seems delicious!
Donna1 says
It certainly is delicious 🙂
tp keane says
Yum these are all my fav ingredients. Love this idea and will certainly try it.
Donna1 says
Oh I hope you do TP! We love it 🙂
Amanda Love says
Oh this really looks great. I am actually doing pasta tomorrow but will have to save this for another day. Looks totally yummy!
Donna1 says
Thanks Amanda 🙂
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!
Donna1 says
You are very welcome 🙂
Debra says
I am going to have to make this for my husband. I bet he would absolutely love this!
Donna1 says
I hope he does 🙂 Mine is a big fan!
Rachel Langer says
I have never had salmon with pasta before. This looks really good, though! I may have to try it.
Donna1 says
It works really well! I always pair salmon with pasta, it tends to light it up a bit 🙂
Rebecca Bryant says
this looks delicious. i do enjoy a good pasta dish.
Donna1 says
Me too 🙂
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.
Donna1 says
I have made a vegetarian version subbing in some steamed broccoli, and it was really good!!
Terri Steffes says
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!
Donna1 says
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!
Robin Masshole Mommy says
OH wow, that sounds so delicious. I love meals like this and I know my family will love it.
Donna1 says
Thanks Robin! Anything that can be made in one pan and is simple and delicious gets a tick in my books 🙂