This is a dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of salmon and the aromatic, herby goodness of pesto in one comforting casserole. This bake offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy pasta combined with the distinct flavor of pesto, all topped with tender chunks of salmon. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a simple yet elegant meal to serve guests, this dish is sure to impress.
The beauty of this pasta bake lies in its layers of flavor. The pesto, made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, infuses the pasta and salmon with a vibrant herbal essence that’s both rich and fresh. The creamy texture of the pasta complements the bold pesto, while the salmon adds a delicious, flaky contrast. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of flavors, making it a dish that feels indulgent but not too heavy.
What makes this pasta bake especially appealing is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful, comforting meal. The pasta is cooked and mixed with the pesto and flaked salmon, then baked until golden and bubbly. The baking process melds all the flavors together, allowing the pesto to infuse every bite of the pasta, while the salmon becomes tender and slightly crispy on top. A sprinkle of cheese adds a creamy, melty finish, making it even more irresistible.
This pasta is versatile, too. You can easily swap the salmon for another type of fish, like tuna or trout, depending on your preference. For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish with roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein. You can also add some greens, like spinach or arugula, for extra freshness.
This dish is a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 200 g salmon fillets skinless and boneless
- 250 g penne pasta or pasta of choice
- 100 g pesto store-bought or homemade
- 150 ml cream heavy cream
- 100 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 50 g parmesan cheese grated
- to taste Salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pesto, cream, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the drained pasta, salmon fillets (cut into bite-sized pieces), and cherry tomatoes to the pesto mixture, and gently stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy your Pesto Salmon Pasta Bake!
Nutrition
Nah, didnt work out for me. Not a fan of salmon in pasta I guess. 🤷♂️
Delicious! I added some spinach for extra greens. Yum!!!
Sounds great! Spinach is a smart addition. I’ll try that next time.
Yum? I dunno, I think salmon and pesto is a weird combo. Spinach or not, I’m skeptical.
Pasta in the oven? Sounds weird, but I tried it and it’s actually good! I was surprised.
The recipe said 20-25 mins, but mine took 40! What’s up with that?!
That happened to me too! I think my oven runs a bit cooler than it says, so I have to bake everything longer. Maybe check your oven temp with a thermometer?
Too much cream for my liking. It was more like soup than a bake.
I understand where you’re coming from. The cream can be really overwhelming! Maybe try less next time?
Soup? That’s a bit dramatic! I thought it was perfect for a creamy pasta bake. Just add more pasta if you think it’s too much.
So easy to make! Even a caveman could do it! 😂
I used tuna instead of salmon. Is that against the rules? 🤭 It was still good though!
This was so tasty! My family loved it and wanted seconds! Will definitely make again. 😊
I’m so glad to hear that! This recipe is a family favorite for sure. 😊
It was alright, but the salmon overcooked in my oven. Maybe it’s just my oven… 🤔
I had the same problem! My salmon got dry too. Maybe our ovens are just not good 🤷♂️.