SALMON WITH CHEESE SAUCE, ASPARAGUS AND PASTA

SALMON WITH CHEESE SAUCE, ASPARAGUS AND PASTA image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Water
Cooking spray
675 gram salmon filets, skinless, boneless (2 lbs)
Paper towel
2 tsp Mrs. Dash Original (10 mL)
1 tsp lemon pepper (5 mL)
1/2 tsp rosemary leaves (2 mL)
24 pieces asparagus, ends snapped off
350 gram whole wheat penne pasta
2 tbsp butter (30 mL)
2 tbsp flour (30 mL)
2 cups milk (500 mL)
3/4 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese (175 mL)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (15 mL)
Pinch of cayenne
1 tsp olive oil (optional) (5 mL)
1/2 tsp basil (optional) (2 mL)
1 tsp lemon juice (5 mL)
1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash Table blend (2 mL)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Boil water for pasta and spray a nonstick pan with cooking spray. Wash salmon under cold water, pat dry with a paper towel. Season one side. Cut into four equal pieces. Sauté spice side down, over med-high heat approx 1 minute or until nicely seared. Season in pan, then turn and sauté the other side the same way. Wrap in foil and place in preheated oven for 7 minutes. Microwave asparagus, in a microwave safe pot with 2 tbsp water) for 5 minutes. Put penne pasta into boiling water for 13 minutes or until al dente (soft on the outside and just a little firm on the inside). Melt butter in a pot at medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk and whisk until sauce begins to thicken slightly. Add cheeses and cayenne. Stir. When pasta is ready, rinse and return to pot, no heat. Toss with a little olive oil and basil. Toss asparagus with a little lemon juice and spice. Serve sauce over pasta and salmon.