Little Italy Salmon and Pasta Bake
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this irresistible Little Italy Salmon and Pasta Bake, a comforting, family-friendly dish that pairs tender salmon fillets with perfectly al dente penne pasta in a rich marinara sauce. This Italian-inspired bake is layered with gooey mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. Fresh basil and a hint of lemon bring bright, zesty notes to this hearty main course, while optional red chili flakes add a touch of spice for those who crave heat. Ready in under an hour, this easy salmon pasta casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing dish for your next Italian-themed gathering. Serve it fresh from the oven with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams salmon fillet
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 milliliters marinara sauce
- 75 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 150 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until slightly undercooked (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Season the salmon fillet with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the pan, flake into large chunks, and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce and red chili flakes (if using), and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and mix until well combined. Gently fold in the salmon chunks and half the chopped fresh basil.
Transfer the pasta and salmon mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer for an added crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Garnish the bake with the remaining fresh basil before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3866 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 190.9 g | 245% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.1 g | 306% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 28.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 538 mg | 179% | |
| Sodium | 7478 mg | 325% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 294.1 g | 107% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.1 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.1 g | ||
| Protein | 239.8 g | 480% | |
| Vitamin D | 68.5 mcg | 342% | |
| Calcium | 2068 mg | 159% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 3190 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
