Baked Radiatore With Salmon And White Cheddar Sauce
Baked radiatore with tender salmon and a creamy white cheddar sauce combines smoky peppers and rich cheese for a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated white Cheddar ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 lb radiatore pasta ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons butter ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dill ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz) can salmon ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Grate the white Cheddar cheese.
- Dice the red and green bell peppers.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Add the radiatore pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add dill, salt, and white pepper, and stir well.
- Stir in grated Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Drain the salmon and flake into large pieces.
- Combine cooked pasta, salmon, diced bell peppers, and cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the salmon with canned tuna for a different flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving it with a side of Crumb Topped Fish Filets.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Radiatore With Salmon And White Cheddar Sauce contains roughly 157 calories, with 10g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1369mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute white Cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, which will still provide a delicious flavor. Keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly, affecting the sauce's texture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the mix for added depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also brighten the dish. For a touch of acidity, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).