Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Salmon and Broccoli Pasta with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This delicious Salmon and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines tender baked salmon and roasted broccoli with creamy, cheesy pasta. The dish features a flavorful blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh mozzarella, all brought together with cream cheese and a touch of reserved pasta water to create a luscious sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks craving a nutritious and satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 12 oz broccoli florets, torn to roughly the same size
  • 1 pound center-cut salmon
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2-3 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare and preheat: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. In a 9×13-inch baking pan, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and toss with the broccoli florets to coat. Arrange the broccoli on one side of the pan. Place the cream cheese in the center of the pan.
  2. Arrange salmon and season: Pat the salmon dry, and optionally remove the skin. Place the salmon on the edge of the baking pan. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salmon and cream cheese. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and minced garlic over the broccoli, tossing garlic with the florets. Season everything with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Bake broccoli and salmon: Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the broccoli is tender with some crispy edges. While baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving at least 1 cup of pasta water.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Remove salmon from the baking dish and set aside. Pour about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water into the baking pan and stir to combine the broccoli, cream cheese, and pasta. Tear the mozzarella pieces and stir them in, allowing them to melt from the residual heat. If needed, return the dish to the oven for 3 more minutes to melt the cheese completely.
  5. Finish and serve: Add more reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them over the pasta. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Removing the salmon skin before baking is optional but makes it easier to eat and serve.
  • Reserved pasta water adds perfect consistency and helps emulsify the sauce.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results; low-moisture shredded cheese will not work as well.
  • This dish is customizable: substitute salmon with another fish or use different pasta shapes.
  • To reduce fat, use light cream cheese and less olive oil if desired.
  • Make sure to not overcook the salmon for moist and tender results.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American