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Pasta al forno al salmone (Baked Salmon Pasta)

17/11/2023

Baked salmon pasta is a tasty and substantial dish, perfect for a family lunch or a special occasion. Below you will find a recipe with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

  • 350 g of short pasta (penne, ziti or rigatoni)
  • 300 g of fresh salmon
  • 200 ml of cooking cream
  • 100 g of grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino)
  • 200 g of mozzarella, cut into cubes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 small white onion
  • 150 g of peas (optional, if you like them)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • A few basil leaves (optional for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 200 °C.
  2. Place the salmon on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, season with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt; bake for about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool and then flake it with a fork.
  3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water following the package instructions, but drain it 2-3 minutes before the indicated time for “al dente” cooking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped garlic and thinly sliced onion until transparent. You can add the peas at this point, if you decide to use them.
  5. Add the flaked salmon and the cooking cream. Gently mix and let it cook for a few minutes. Adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Drain the pasta and combine it with the salmon and cream mixture, add the grated cheese and mix well.
  7. Pour the mixture into an oiled ovenproof dish, scatter the diced mozzarella on top, and bake.
  8. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.
  9. Let rest a few minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Trivia

Traditionally, Italian baked pasta is often prepared with ragù and béchamel, but adding salmon creates a more refined and contemporary variant. In Italy, there is always an effort to enhance the taste of the ingredients, and baked salmon with its creaminess is perfect for this purpose, especially when paired with a glass of fresh and aromatic white wine such as a Pinot Grigio.

Pasta al forno al salmone