Creamy Dill & Salmon Pasta Bake
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Dill & Salmon Pasta Bake, a satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. The comforting pasta shells are coated in a luscious, creamy sauce and combined with tender pink salmon, fresh dill, and zesty lemon for a burst of flavor in every bite. While this dish is already bursting with taste, feel free to customize it with additional ingredients like garlic or jalapeños for an extra kick. Surprisingly low in fat and calories, this casserole stretches to serve six, making it an excellent budget-friendly option without sacrificing taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shell pasta
5 cups (uncooked)
Reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
1 can
1% low-fat milk
3/4 cup
Reduced-fat Swiss cheese
3/4 cup (shredded)
Fresh dill
1 1/2 tablespoons (chopped)
Lemon zest
2 teaspoons
Mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Water packed pink salmon
1 can (skin & bones removed)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
2
Cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, 1% low-fat milk, shredded Swiss cheese, fresh dill, lemon zest, mustard powder, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Gently fold in the drained salmon and cooked pasta shells until well combined, ensuring the salmon is evenly distributed.
5
Pour the pasta and salmon mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and garnish.
7
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
8
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Dill & Salmon Pasta Bake warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Dill & Salmon Pasta Bake?
It is a satisfying one-dish meal featuring pasta shells coated in a creamy sauce with tender pink salmon, fresh dill, and zesty lemon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to stretch and serve approximately six people.
Is this salmon pasta bake healthy?
Yes, it is surprisingly low in fat and calories, making it a healthy comfort food option.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of uncooked shell pasta.
How long do I bake the casserole?
Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Can I add extra spice to this dish?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding ingredients like garlic or jalapeños for an extra kick.
What kind of salmon is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one can of water-packed pink salmon with the skin and bones removed.
What type of soup is required for the sauce?
You will need one can of reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
What kind of cheese is inside the sauce?
The sauce features 3/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese.
What should I use for the topping?
The top is sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What type of milk is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of 1% low-fat milk.
What herbs provide the main flavor profile?
Fresh dill is the primary herb, supplemented by fresh parsley for garnish.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, it is considered an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice taste.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Lightly grease the dish with cooking spray before adding the mixture.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with mustard powder and black pepper.
How do I incorporate the lemon flavor?
Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest into the sauce mixture.
How should I combine the salmon?
Gently fold the drained salmon into the sauce and pasta mixture to ensure it is evenly distributed.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover it with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
How do I know the pasta bake is finished?
The top should look golden and the sauce should be bubbly after the final 5 minutes of uncovered baking.
Should I let the dish rest after cooking?
Yes, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While shells are recommended for holding the creamy sauce, other small pasta shapes could work as a substitute.
What is the preparation for the salmon?
The canned salmon should be drained, and any skin or bones should be removed.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is tagged as a family dinner and a comfort food favorite.
What is the consistency of the sauce?
The sauce should be smooth and creamy once the Swiss cheese has melted into the soup and milk mixture.
Can I use fat-free milk?
The recipe specifies 1% low-fat milk, but fat-free milk could likely be used as a substitute.
How much fresh dill is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Yes, as a one-dish meal with simple instructions, it is perfect for busy schedules.