Looking for a meal that’s both comforting and easy to whip up?
This Salmon and Broccoli Pasta is your answer.
It combines tender salmon with a creamy pasta and broccoli mix, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is not only delicious but also beginner-friendly.
With just a few simple steps, you can create a hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is tasty!

Ingredients
- 250g penne pasta
- 300g broccoli, cut into large florets
- 25g butter
- 25g plain flour
- 600ml milk
- 100g mascarpone cheese
- 8 sundried tomatoes (preserved in olive oil), drained and thickly sliced
- 2 tbsp small capers (optional), rinsed to remove excess salt or vinegar
- 8 anchovy fillets, halved (optional)
- 10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 4 fresh skinless salmon fillets
- 50g mature cheddar cheese, finely grated
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 5.
- Grab an ovenproof dish around 20x30cm and 5cm deep.
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once it’s boiling, add the penne and cook for 6 minutes.
- Then, toss in the broccoli and cook both for an additional 4 minutes.
- Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, then gradually whisk in the milk.
- Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the mascarpone, sun-dried tomatoes, capers (if using), anchovies (if using), and basil.
- Season with a little salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Cut each salmon fillet in half widthways (you’ll notice a natural divide in the fillets).
- Lay them in a single layer on the bottom of your ovenproof dish.
- Spoon the creamy broccoli and pasta mixture over the salmon, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top turns a light golden color.
- Be careful not to let it get too dark, as you don’t want to overcook the salmon.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamy salmon bake!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as fusilli, rigatoni, or macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you don’t have mascarpone, you can use cream cheese or ricotta cheese as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.

Easy Italian Salmon & Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 grams penne pasta
- 300 grams broccoli cut into florets
- 25 grmas butter
- 25 grams plain flour
- 600 ml milk
- 100 grams mascarpone cheese
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes (drained and thickly sliced)
- 2 tbsp capers (optional), rinsed
- 8 anchovy fillets, halved (optional)
- 10 fresh basil leaves roughly torn
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 50 grams mature cheddar grated
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 5. Grab an ovenproof dish around 20x30cm and 5cm deep.Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne and cook for 6 minutes. Then, toss in the broccoli and cook both for an additional 4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, then gradually whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in the mascarpone, sun-dried tomatoes, capers (if using), anchovies (if using), and basil. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Assemble the Dish
- Cut each salmon fillet in half widthways (you’ll notice a natural divide in the fillets). Lay them in a single layer on the bottom of your ovenproof dish.Spoon the creamy broccoli and pasta mixture over the salmon, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheddar on top.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top turns a light golden color. Be careful not to let it get too dark, as you don’t want to overcook the salmon.Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamy salmon bake!
love the idea of using mascarpone for the sauce, gonna try it tonight thanks!
Mascarpone makes everything better! Enjoy your meal 🙂
hey, is it okay if i skip the bake part? not a big fan of waiting lol. Sandra, will it still be creamy or nah?
mikeyZ, trust me u gotta bake it, the crust is like the best part
Skipping the bake would change everything, the texture won’t be the same!
isnt pasta bad for u? thought so
love the idea of using rigatoni instead of the regular pasta, gonna try this!
can i skip the baking part, my oven is kinda broken lol
if i add just cheese and skip veggies, does it become a cheese pasta asking for a friend haha
Using ricotta over mascarpone drastically changes the flavor profile, though. Not sure I’d recommend that substitute.
tried both and yeah it tastes different but still good tho
Fair point, Chrissy. Good to know it still turns out well!
Really appreciated the substitute for mascarpone. Thought I had to scrap the whole dinner plan when I couldn’t find it.
A fan of broccoli in any dish, this sounds delightful!
bet this tastes awesome with chicken added, yes or no?
Sure, because we all have mascarpone just lying around. Thanks for the alternatives, Sandra.
Can I use whole wheat pasta? Trying to keep it healthy over here, lol.
Whole wheat is great! Did it before and it tasted amazing!
I doubt replacing mascarpone with cream cheese would work well. Seems like a recipe for disaster.
While it does alter the flavor slightly, many have found it a satisfying substitute. Don’t knock it till you try it!