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Easy Salmon Feta Pasta with Tomato bakes together everything you love about cozy pasta night and fresh spring flavors in one quick pan. This is a go to when I want something impressive but have zero time for fuss and cleanup.
Nothing beats that tangy feta creaminess with sweet tomatoes and buttery salmon. I started making this after a friend brought something similar to a picnic and I have been tweaking and loving it ever since.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet: Choose one that is firm to the touch and bright in color Look for wild caught if possible for best flavor
- Feta cheese: Adds a tangy creamy bite Use a block style for superior melting
- Cherry tomatoes: These bring bright juicy sweetness Go for the ripest you can find
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish Use coarse kosher for even seasoning
- Fresh black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and complexity Grind fresh for best aroma
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory depth with zero prep
- Smoked paprika: Brings warm smokiness Look for Spanish varieties for authentic flavor
- Olive oil: Blends and enriches everything Opt for extra virgin for fruitiness
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of herbal freshness Choose flat leaf for most flavor
- Penne pasta: Holds onto sauce beautifully Cook to al dente for perfect bite
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit two hundred degrees Celsius Get your baking dish lightly greased Arrange the salmon fillet feta block and cherry tomatoes snugly together Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle over salt and pepper so everything gets seasoned Bake uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes The salmon should flake when you touch it and the tomatoes will be split and jammy
- Mash and Mix:
- Right when you pull the pan from the oven grab a sturdy fork or potato masher Mash the warm salmon feta and silky tomatoes all together It will get creamy from the cheese melting and the tomato juices Add the garlic powder smoked paprika more olive oil if you love richness and a handful of chopped parsley Stir until everything is evenly blended with no big chunks left
- Toss with Pasta:
- Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the creamy mixture right in the baking dish The pasta will soak up the sauce Toss well so every piece gets coated Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper and a drizzle of olive oil if needed
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Spoon onto plates Warm pasta is best right away but you can hold it covered if needed Give an extra sprinkle of parsley just before serving for color and lift
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Feta truly makes this dish A good cheese melts into the roasted tomato juices and creates magic I always remember my kid grabbing extra feta crumbs from the pan when I serve it The tang combined with salmon is simply unbeatable
Storage Tips
This pasta keeps well in the fridge up to two days Store in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil so the sauce stays creamy rather than clumpy
Ingredient Substitutions
No salmon Try canned tuna or fresh cod for a milder flavor Dairy free feta can work for those avoiding milk Want a gluten free version Sub with your favorite GF pasta same amount and timing
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a big green salad or roasted asparagus for freshness A glass of chilled white wine like sauvignon blanc makes it dinner party worthy Warm crusty bread can also help scoop up every last bit
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Cultural Context
Pasta bakes have a Mediterranean spirit with feta tomatoes and seafood echoing Greek and Italian classics This version is a modern mashup that respects traditional ingredients while keeping it fuss free for weeknights
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well. Use your favorite to suit your taste or pantry.
- → Do I need to remove the salmon skin?
It's optional. Baking with the skin on keeps the fish moist; simply remove after baking if you prefer skinless.
- → What kind of feta cheese should I use?
Block feta works best, as it softens and melds well with the other ingredients. Avoid pre-crumbled feta for optimal texture.
- → How can I make this dish creamier?
Add a splash of pasta cooking water or a bit more olive oil while mixing the pasta to create extra creaminess.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Try stirring in spinach, roasted peppers, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead?
You can prepare and bake the salmon-feta-tomato mix ahead, then toss with pasta just before serving.