Lite Salmon Pasta Casserole

Indulge in the comforting yet health-conscious flavors of our Lite Salmon Pasta Casserole—a wholesome, one-dish meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Crafted with whole-grain pasta, tender chunks of seared salmon, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, and baby spinach, this dish packs both nutrition and flavor into every bite. A silky sauce made from low-fat cream cheese and a hint of chicken or vegetable broth ties everything together, while fragrant herbs and a sprinkle of lemon zest brighten the dish. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, this casserole offers a satisfying balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh. Ready in under an hour, this lighter version of a hearty classic is sure to please your family and guests alike. Perfect for those seeking healthy salmon recipes, pasta casseroles, or wholesome dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 g whole-grain pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 400 g skinless salmon fillet
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 100 g baby spinach
• 120 g low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 200 ml low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 50 g panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Season the salmon fillet with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from the skillet, flake the salmon into large chunks, and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 6

Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 7

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened low-fat cream cheese and chicken or vegetable broth until smooth. Stir in the oregano, basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 8

Combine the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, sautéed vegetables, and cream cheese mixture in the greased baking dish. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 9

Top the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese and an even layer of panko breadcrumbs.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Lite Salmon Pasta Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1362.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2629.2

Total Fat 103.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 354.2mg	0%
Sodium 3607.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 249.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.9g	0%
Total Sugars 18.6g
Protein 178.3g	0%

Vitamin D 1480.5IU	0%
Calcium 1024.3mg	0%
Iron 18.6mg	0%
Potassium 3257.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.2%

Protein: 27.0%

Carbs: 37.8%