If you’re looking for a comforting dish, my salmon pasta bake is a great choice. It’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
This Baked Boursin Salmon dish tackles blandness and soggy sauces by marrying creamy Boursin with salmon, tomatoes, and spinach, offering quick weeknight relief.
I remember those busy weeknights when I’d scramble to whip up something quick yet tasty. This recipe tackles that challenge, combining flaky salmon with rich Boursin cheese and fresh vegetables, making it a go-to when I don’t want to stress over dinner.
This meal is a breeze to prepare. In just about 10 minutes of prep and a quick bake, dinner is served, warm and delightful. The combination of flavors brings a smile to everyone’s face at the table, which makes it all worth it.
If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, check out my Garlic Mushroom Mac and Cheese, it’s another comforting recipe that’s always a hit!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture , The Boursin cheese melts beautifully into a rich sauce that envelops the pasta, creating a lush, satisfying dish that’s comforting and enjoyable after a long day.
- Flavorful Ingredients , Fresh salmon paired with sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic infuses each bite with a depth of flavor, making every serving feel like a homemade hug.
- Quick Prep Time , With just 10 minutes to prep and only one dish needed for baking, it’s an ideal recipe for those busy weeknights when you still want a home-cooked meal.
- Subtle Sweetness , Roasting garlic alongside the salmon not only makes it sweet and mellow, but it also adds an aromatic layer that perfectly complements the dish’s creaminess without overwhelming it.
Creamy Salmon Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy baked salmon pasta with Boursin cheese, roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes and spinach.
Ingredients
- 4 (approximately 1 lb total / 454 g) salmon fillets, skinless for best flavor absorption
- 5.2 oz (148 g) Boursin Garlic & Herb cheese, for creamy sauce
- 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, add sweetness and acidity
- 1 whole garlic bulb, top sliced off for roasting
- 3 cups (90 g) fresh spinach, for color and nutrition
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine, choose a sturdy pasta that absorbs sauce flavors
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, for roasting
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 – 1 cup (120 – 240 ml) reserved pasta water, to adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees F. This preheating is key for ensuring even cooking throughout your salmon pasta bake, creating a nicely baked top layer.
- Step 2: Arrange Your Ingredients: Place cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a whole garlic bulb (top sliced off) in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This arrangement allows the veggies to roast perfectly while infusing flavor into your dish.
- Step 3: Bake Until Roasted: Bake everything for 20-25 minutes, until the garlic is soft and the salmon flakes easily. You will know it is ready when the garlic has a golden hue and the tomatoes are blistered, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Step 4: Cook Fettuccine Properly: While baking happens, cook your fettuccine following the package directions. Remember to set aside some of the pasta water; this will help you create a creamy sauce later on without making it too thick.
- Step 5: Mash Roasted Garlic: Once baked, squeeze the softened garlic from its bulb into the melted Boursin cheese and roasted tomatoes. Use a fork to mash it all together smoothly; this creates a rich flavor base for your sauce that is comforting.
- Step 6: Combine Everything Together: Flake the salmon into the creamy garlic-tomato mixture, stirring everything well. This ensures every bite of your salmon pasta bake is filled with that delicious garlic and tomato goodness, creating a lovely flavor harmony.
- Step 7: Toss with Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked fettuccine, adding reserved pasta water as needed until you achieve a creamy consistency. It is crucial to taste a bit and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for the best result.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Ensure even cooking by placing salmon fillets of similar size together. If the garlic bulb is still firm after 25 minutes, continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve that soft, golden texture. If the sauce seems too thick after mixing with pasta, gradually add reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For pairing, consider a chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay.
- You can replace the Boursin cheese with a full-fat cream cheese for a different flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the salmon and add an extra cup of vegetables, such as zucchini or bell pepper.
- Look for fresh, skinless salmon fillets for the best flavor absorption. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese may be added for depth of flavor if desired. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Salmon fillets: Look for fresh, skinless fillets for the best flavor absorption. If using skin-on, adjust cooking time to ensure it cooks well.
- Cream cheese: Choose a full-fat cream cheese for creaminess. It helps create that rich, smooth sauce that clings to pasta beautifully.
- Pasta: Opt for a sturdy pasta shape, like penne or rigatoni, that holds the creamy sauce well. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the bake.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best for a pop of color and slight texture. Rinse it well and remove any tough stems for a smoother finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for depth of flavor. It adds a salty, nutty dimension to the dish, and melts perfectly over the top.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a must for a punchy flavor! Mince them finely to release oils that enhance the creamy sauce.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will brighten the dish and balance the richness. Bottled juice won’t give the same fresh taste.
- Salmon fillets: Look for fresh, skinless fillets for the best flavor absorption. If using skin-on, adjust cooking time to ensure it cooks well.
- Cream cheese: Choose a full-fat cream cheese for creaminess. It helps create that rich, smooth sauce that clings to pasta beautifully.
- Pasta: Opt for a sturdy pasta shape, like penne or rigatoni, that holds the creamy sauce well. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the bake.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best for a pop of color and slight texture. Rinse it well and remove any tough stems for a smoother finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for depth of flavor. It adds a salty, nutty dimension to the dish, and melts perfectly over the top.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a must for a punchy flavor! Mince them finely to release oils that enhance the creamy sauce.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will brighten the dish and balance the richness. Bottled juice won’t give the same fresh taste.
Recipe Tips
- If the salmon fillets are sticking to the baking dish, lightly grease the bottom with olive oil before adding tomatoes and spinach.
- When the garlic bulb is still firm after 25 minutes, continue roasting for an additional 5, 10 minutes to achieve that soft, golden texture.
- If the sauce seems too thick after mixing with pasta, gradually add reserved pasta water, about ¼ cup at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- For uneven cooking, place salmon fillets of similar size together, ensuring even heat distribution, 10 minutes into baking.
- When deciding how much salt to add, sprinkle lightly first, then taste and adjust accordingly after mixing in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve salmon pasta bake with a side of mixed greens drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. Pair it with garlic sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus for an easy addition.
Add to a pasta salad for a cold dish or use in stuffed bell peppers. Use the mixture to create a savory quiche or savory crepes as well.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for added flavor. Consider drizzling with a homemade lemon butter sauce for an additional layer of richness.
Recipe variations
- You can use any type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of fettuccine for this creamy salmon pasta bake.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright and fresh flavor profile.
- Either fresh or frozen salmon fillets can be used, but ensure to adjust cooking times if using frozen to achieve proper doneness.
- If feeding more people, consider doubling the recipe by using 8 salmon fillets and 24 ounces of pasta while increasing sauce ingredients proportionately.
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How to Store?
To keep your salmon pasta bake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This method works well for short-term storage.
Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing.
Wrap portions in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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