Easy Italian Salmon & Broccoli Pasta
This creamy baked salmon and broccoli penne combines tender pasta, fresh salmon, and a rich mascarpone sauce for an easy, flavorful dish perfect for beginners.
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!
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