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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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
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
Transfer the pasta and salmon mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella.
Step 8
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.
Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 10
Garnish the bake with the remaining fresh basil before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1738.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3865.7 |
| Total Fat 190.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 61.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 28.8g | |
| Cholesterol 537.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7478.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 294.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 21.1g | |
| Protein 239.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 2740IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2068.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3189.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories