Italian Broccoli & Salmon Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Italian broccoli and salmon bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and rich salmon in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, bubbling delight.

Ingredients

• 250g penne
• 300g broccoli, cut into large florets
• 25g butter
• 25g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 100g mascarpone
• 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, finely grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (gas mark 5, fan 170°C) and prepare an ovenproof dish measuring about 20 by 30 cm and 5 cm deep. Bring a large pan of salted water to a rapid boil.
2. Step 2: Add the penne to the boiling water and cook for 6 minutes. Then add the broccoli florets and cook together for an additional 4 minutes until the broccoli is just tender but still firm. Drain well.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens smoothly.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the mascarpone, sundried tomatoes, capers (if using), anchovies (if using), and torn basil leaves. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce and season well with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Halve the salmon fillets widthways along the natural divide. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared ovenproof dish.
6. Step 6: Spoon the creamy broccoli and pasta mixture evenly over the salmon. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top. Avoid over-browning to prevent the salmon from overcooking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce before baking.
• Substitute penne with fusilli or rigatoni if preferred.
• Replace mascarpone with cream cheese for a slightly different texture and taste.
• If you don’t eat anchovies, omit them or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through to maintain the texture of the salmon and sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen. Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta to avoid excess water in the bake.

What can I serve with this salmon bake?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs nicely, adding freshness or a crunchy contrast to the creamy baked dish.

Italian Broccoli & Salmon Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting Italian-inspired bake featuring tender salmon fillets layered with penne pasta, broccoli florets, and a creamy mascarpone sauce enriched with sundried tomatoes, capers, anchovies, and fresh basil, topped with mature cheddar and baked to a perfect golden finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 250g penne
• 300g broccoli, cut into large florets

Sauce

• 25g butter
• 25g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 100g mascarpone
• 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 (optional), halved
• 10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Other

• 4 fresh skinless salmon fillets
• 50g mature cheddar, finely grated

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pasta water: Preheat your oven to 190°C (gas mark 5, fan 170°C). Bring a large pan of salted water to a vigorous boil for the pasta.
2. Cook penne and broccoli: Add the penne to the boiling water, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook for 6 minutes, then add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Continue boiling for an additional 4 minutes until the broccoli is just tender yet still firm. Drain the pasta and broccoli well.
3. Make the creamy sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the plain flour and cook briefly to form a paste, then gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens smoothly. Remove from heat, then stir in mascarpone, sundried tomatoes, capers (if using), anchovies (if using), and torn basil leaves. Taste and season well if needed.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the sauce, folding gently to combine everything evenly.
5. Prepare salmon and assemble bake: Cut each salmon fillet in half widthways along the natural division. Place the salmon pieces in a single layer on the base of a 20x30cm ovenproof dish about 5cm deep. Spoon the broccoli and pasta mixture over the salmon, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar on top.
6. Chill if desired: If preparing ahead, cover and chill the assembled dish for up to 4 hours before baking.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is a pale golden color. Avoid overbaking to prevent the fish from drying out.

Notes

• This dish can be partially prepared in advance by assembling and chilling before baking.
• Capers and anchovies are optional but add traditional Italian depth of flavor and saltiness.
• Use fresh basil to brighten the creamy sauce and balance richness.
• Keep an eye on the bake towards the end to avoid overcooking the salmon.
• This recipe pairs well with a crisp green salad or a light white wine.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Italian salmon bake, broccoli pasta bake, creamy salmon casserole, baked penne with salmon and broccoli, mascarpone pasta bake