No-Guilt Creamy Salmon and Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white flour
• 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 lb pasta (dry or fresh, any shape will work, penne, fettucine, rotini, etc.)
• 2/3 cup low-fat parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 1/2 tablespoons pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought in jar)
• 3/4 lb boneless skinless salmon, seared and then broken with fork into chunks
• chopped fresh parsley, to sprinkle on completed dish (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Boil water in large pot for pasta.

2. 2

   Heat oil in large nonstick pan and then add in flour until pasty. Gradually whisk in milk while stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Season with pepper.

3. 3

   Add pasta to boiling water and set timer as directions advise. If pasta is done before the sauce, toss with a bit of olive oil so it doesn't stick.

4. 4

   Whisk in Parmesan cheese and pesto until thoroughly mixed. Heat for a few minutes on low until thickened.

5. 5

   Stir in salmon just before serving and heat through.

6. 6

   Add pasta to salmon mixture and gently toss.

7. 7

   Sprinkle parsley on completed dish.