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This easy salmon feta pasta is pure comfort food with a sun-kissed twist. Creamy feta melts into sweet roasted cherry tomatoes while succulent salmon brings richness to every bite. If you want a cozy dish with barely any clean-up that feels like a special treat, pull out your favorite baking dish and give this recipe a try.
I first made this on a rushed Tuesday after work and it instantly became my fallback quick meal. My partner requests it every week now and even my pickiest friend swears it tastes restaurant-level.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet: brings protein and healthy fats to the dish Choose a piece that feels firm to the touch and is bright pink
- Feta cheese: melts into a tangy creamy base for the sauce Opt for a block of feta in brine if possible for extra flavor and creaminess
- Cherry tomatoes: add bursts of sweetness and juiciness Pick ripe tomatoes that are glossy and firm
- Salt and fresh black pepper: balance and enhance all the flavors Freshly ground pepper is best for a lift
- Garlic powder: brings gentle garlicky warmth and melds into the creamy sauce
- Smoked paprika: offers a subtle smokiness Upgrade with Spanish or Hungarian paprika if you can find it
- Olive oil: is the backbone for baking and helps make everything silky Use extra virgin for rich flavor
- Fresh parsley: sprinkled at the end brightens up every bite Look for flat leaf parsley for the best aroma
- Penne pasta: sturdy noodles that soak up all the creamy sauce Cook just until al dente so it holds up in the bake
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius Place salmon fillet feta cheese and cherry tomatoes in a lightly greased medium baking dish Drizzle everything with olive oil and add salt and pepper Make sure the feta is nestled next to the salmon Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the tomatoes blister and burst
- Mash and Mix:
- Remove the dish from the oven Use a large fork or potato masher to gently mash the roasted salmon feta and tomatoes together Mix until the feta melts and everything combines into a creamy sauce Add in the garlic powder smoked paprika and fresh parsley Stir well so the seasonings are fully incorporated
- Toss with Pasta:
- Add cooked penne pasta directly into the baking dish Toss gently to coat every bit of pasta in the creamy salmon feta sauce If the mixture looks thick drizzle in a little more olive oil Salt and pepper to taste
- Plate and Serve:
- Spoon the pasta onto plates Garnish with extra chopped parsley if you want a fresh pop of color Serve immediately while the pasta is piping hot and the sauce is velvety
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My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the feta When it bakes and blends with the tomatoes it turns into the ultimate creamy sauce that tastes like you cooked for hours My family always remembers the first time we sat around the table sharing this dish and marveling at how something so simple could be so delicious
Storage Tips
Let the pasta cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to bring the creaminess back If you plan to freeze the dish leave out the fresh parsley and add it after reheating for best flavor
Ingredient Substitutions
Try cooked chicken breast or smoked trout in place of salmon Crumbled goat cheese or ricotta can sub for feta if you want a milder taste Gluten free penne or whole wheat pasta works beautifully if you need a swap
Serving Suggestions
Pile the pasta into shallow bowls and top with extra parsley and freshly cracked pepper It pairs well with a leafy green salad or roasted vegetables For a citrus boost squeeze a bit of fresh lemon over the finished dish at the table
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A Global Twist on Pasta
This salmon feta pasta borrows from Mediterranean flavors with plenty of olive oil tangy cheese and ripe tomatoes The one pan bake style is inspired by easy weeknight dinners but the dish itself reminds me of long sunny lunches by the coast in Greece where seafood and feta are a timeless pair
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne is used for its texture, but rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work well and hold the sauce nicely.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of olive oil to maintain creaminess.
- → What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Try creamy goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor, or use a plant-based feta if preferred.
- → Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, thaw the salmon fully and pat dry before baking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- → Is fresh parsley necessary?
Fresh parsley brings brightness to the flavor, but dried parsley or basil can be used as an alternative.