If you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner that’s stunningly simple yet downright irresistible, let me introduce you to the Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe). This warm, bubbling tray of flaky salmon, creamy feta, perfectly roasted tomatoes, and twirls of pasta comes together in the oven with barely any prep, but the flavors taste like youโve fussed for hours. Every forkful is packed with savory, tangy, and bright notes, all layered with that signature Mediterranean flair. If you crave a hearty but elegant meal that impresses everyone (including yourself!), this is the one to try tonight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best meals come from a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, and the Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe) is proof! Each component not only adds its distinctive flavor but also blends together for the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. Letโs break down why these essentials matter.
- Salmon Filets: Rich, buttery salmon is the showstopper here; choose skinless filets for easy flaking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Feta Cheese Block: A big, creamy block is bestโcrumbled feta wonโt melt and mingle quite the same way in this baked recipe.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These little gems roast beautifully, turning sweet and juicy, and create a natural sauce for the pasta.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Good olive oil brings silkiness and depth, coaxing out the brightness in tomatoes and melting the cheese into lusciousness.
- Pasta of Choice: Short pasta like penne or rotini works perfectly, catching every bit of sauce and cheese in its nooks and crannies.
- Fresh Garlic: Sliced or minced, it infuses the whole dish with aromatic warmth and a savory backbone.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: These add zippy freshness and make the flavors pop, especially against the rich salmon and feta.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: A handful of herbs at the end brings vibrant color and garden-fresh flavor.
- Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: These basics are crucial for seasoning both salmon and veggies so every bite sings.
How to Make Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Start by cranking up your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC), the perfect temperature for gently roasting both salmon and the tomatoes. Grab a large, oven-safe baking dish and lightly coat it with olive oil so nothing sticksโand because a little extra oil never hurt a roasted vegetable!
Step 2: Arrange Ingredients in the Dish
Place the block of feta right in the center of the dish, and surround it with the juicy cherry tomatoes. Nestle the salmon filets on top or alongside the tomatoes, tucking in sliced garlic wherever you like. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, season well with salt and pepper, and toss in a sprinkle of lemon zest for a whisper of brightness even before it bakes.
Step 3: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and let it do the heavy lifting! The feta will turn golden and creamy, the salmon will gently flake, and the tomatoes will burst into juicy sweetness. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. Trust your noseโthe moment you catch the scent of roasting garlic and bubbling cheese, you know magic is happening.
Step 4: Cook Your Pasta
While the oven works its magic, cook your chosen pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining; this will help create a velvety sauce when the hot pasta meets the feta and tomatoes.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Once the salmon and feta are out of the oven, use a fork to flake the salmon and gently mash the feta and tomatoes together. Add in the hot, drained pasta straight to the dish, tossing everything together so every spiraled noodle is coated in creamy, tomato-flecked sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a flurry of fresh herbs for color and freshness.
How to Serve Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe)
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a flourish of bright, fresh herbsโthink torn basil leaves or chopped parsley sprinkled over each bowl. For a little kick, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes works wonders. And if youโre feeling indulgent, an extra drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon is the perfect finishing touch for the Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe).
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette brings a cool, refreshing contrast. For something even more Mediterranean, try it with garlic-rubbed toast, roasted asparagus, or a simple antipasti platter of olives and marinated veggies. Everything tastes better with easy, flavorful partners on the table!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta family-style in the baking dish for a rustic, โjust out of the ovenโ feelโit never fails to wow a crowd. For dinner parties, twirl a nest of pasta onto each plate and top with a chunk of salmon and a tumble of tomatoes. The vibrant color and creamy sauce make it as beautiful as it is delicious, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be a real treat! Simply scoop any remaining Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe) into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors become even more harmonious after a night together, making tomorrowโs lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen if needed. Portion out the cooled pasta and salmon into freezerproof containers. To keep the creamy texture, try not to overbake when reheating. For best results, use within one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before rewarming.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave with a splash of water or olive oil loosen everything up. Take care not to overcook, as salmon can become dry. Stir halfway through and garnish again with fresh herbs or a bright squeeze of lemon before serving for revived flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have feta?
Absolutely! While baked feta forms the creamy backbone of the Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe), you can swap in a mild goat cheese or even ricotta for a different twistโthe sauce will be silkier but just as flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the feta with a dairy-free feta alternative or use a creamy vegan cheese. The tomatoes and salmon still provide loads of taste, so you wonโt miss out on deliciousness.
Can I prepare the dish ahead for a dinner party?
You sure can! Assemble the baking dish with all ingredients except for the pasta, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Slide it into the oven when youโre ready, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for a just-made feel.
Whatโs the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Short pastas like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal, as they have plenty of nooks and crannies to catch the sauce. Long pasta works too, but short shapes feel a bit more casual and saucy for the Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe).
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
For convenience, canned salmon can work, but fresh salmon brings a richer flavor and flakier texture to the dish. If using canned, add it in the last five minutes of baking just to heat through, and drain it well beforehand.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe) is truly the definition of comfort meets elegance, and itโs a joy to make and to eat. Share it with friends, serve it on busy weeknights, or savor it soloโno matter what, youโll find yourself dreaming of the creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying flavors long after the plates are clear. Give it a try soon and let this dish become one of your new favorites too!
PrintEasy Salmon Feta Pasta with tomato (New Baked Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This easy Salmon Feta Pasta with Tomato is a quick yet elegant baked dish, combining tender flaky salmon, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive, healthy meal for guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) dried penne or rigatoni pasta
Baked Salmon & Tomato
- 2 salmon fillets (about 8 oz/225g each), skinless
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Feta & Toss-ins
- 4 oz (115g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Finishing Touches
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prep baking dish – Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Grease a medium baking dish or line with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Arrange and season – In the baking dish, add the salmon fillets and surround them with the halved tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add minced garlic over the salmon and tomatoes.
- Bake – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily, and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.
- Cook pasta – While salmon bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Combine everything – Remove salmon dish from the oven. Flake the salmon gently with two forks, discarding any bones. Add the cooked pasta and crumbled feta directly to the baking dish. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to moisten, if needed. Toss everything together gently, mixing in the fresh basil and lemon zest.
- Serve – Divide the creamy salmon feta pasta into bowls, garnish with extra basil and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Substitute spinach or arugula for extra greensโadd to the pasta just before serving so they gently wilt.
- If you like more tang, add a few capers or a splash of white wine to the baking dish before roasting.
- Leftovers keep for up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
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