If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting dish that brings together the lusciousness of baked feta, the rich flavors of salmon, and the satisfying bite of pasta, this Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe is your new go-to meal. It’s a fantastic blend of creamy, tangy, and savory notes, all baked in one dish before being tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh greens. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite dinner idea to impress family and friends without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role, delivering layers of flavor and texture while keeping things simple and fresh. From juicy cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness to the creamy block of feta that melts into a dreamy sauce, each element is thoughtfully selected to create a balanced and delicious dish.
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite): The foundation that soaks up all the luscious sauce and ties the dish together.
- 1 (6-ounce) salmon fillet: Provides rich, flaky protein and pairs perfectly with creamy feta.
- 1 block (6–8 ounces) feta cheese: The star ingredient that bakes to creamy perfection, infusing the pasta with tangy goodness.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Roasted until blistered and sweet, adding bursts of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the dish with fragrant warmth and subtle spice.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps everything bake to golden, tender perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula (optional): A touch of greenery that freshens the dish and adds nutrients.
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon: Brightens and lifts the entire pasta with a citrus punch.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds aromatic herbal notes and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Feta, Salmon, and Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish, then nestle the salmon fillet and cherry tomatoes around it. Give everything a generous drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle the minced garlic, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper evenly across the dish. Let the oven work its magic for 20–25 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the tomatoes have blistered beautifully. This simple bake infuses the feta and salmon with garlicky, roasted flavor that’s the foundation of this dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your feta, salmon, and tomatoes are roasting, cook your choice of pasta in well-salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is a secret weapon to loosen your sauce and make it perfectly creamy without any lumps.
Step 3: Flake Salmon and Create the Sauce
When everything is out of the oven, gently flake the salmon fillet with a fork. Then, stir the softened feta, roasted tomatoes, and all the flavorful juices in the baking dish until they meld into a luscious, creamy sauce. This step transforms the baked ingredients into a rich coating that wraps perfectly around your pasta.
Step 4: Toss Pasta and Fold in Fresh Elements
Add the cooked pasta straight into the baking dish, stirring well to combine with the sauce. If the mixture seems thick, use some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Finish by folding in your flaked salmon, fresh spinach or arugula if you’d like a peppery lift, along with the zest and juice of half a lemon for brightness. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring every bite sings with balanced flavor.
Step 5: Final Touches
Serve the Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe warm, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil for that silky finish. This final flourish adds a fragrant herbal note that makes the dish extra special.
How to Serve Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a wonderful garnish here, providing a pop of green and an aromatic lift that complements the creamy feta and salmon beautifully. A squeeze of extra lemon or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving adds subtle zest and a peppery kick to brighten up each forkful.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides like a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a crunchy contrast. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette soaking up the leftover sauce is always a winner too. The options are endless and easy, letting the creamy pasta shine front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this recipe into a pasta bake casserole by layering the mixture in a baking dish, topping it with breadcrumbs and extra feta, then broiling it until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, serve portions in bright bowls or rustic plates, inviting everyone to add their own garnishes—perfect for a lively family dinner or casual dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to store any added fresh greens separately if possible to keep them from wilting.
Freezing
While fresh-cooked pasta dishes with leafy greens don’t always freeze well, you can freeze the baked feta, salmon, and tomatoes mixture on its own. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw and toss with freshly cooked pasta and greens for a quick dinner anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist and creamy. Avoid overheating to prevent the salmon from drying out, and if you reserved fresh greens, add them fresh after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s tangy, crumbly texture is key to this recipe’s signature sauce, but you can experiment with goat cheese or halloumi for a different twist. Just know the flavor and creaminess will change slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free feta alternative and swap out fresh cheese with plant-based versions. The roasted tomatoes and salmon still make this dish flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare the baked components ahead and refrigerate them, but it’s best to assemble the pasta and add fresh greens just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What types of pasta work best with this recipe?
Twirly shapes like rotini or penne are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce well. Avoid very thin pastas that might get lost in the rich sauce.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild warmth and depth, not overpowering heat. You can easily skip them or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and freshness that makes every bite a joy. I warmly encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the comforting Mediterranean-inspired goodness that comes together in just a few easy steps.
Print
Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
This Garlic Baked Feta Salmon Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender baked salmon, blistered cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. Infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh basil, it’s an easy Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1 (6-ounce) salmon fillet (skin removed, if preferred)
- 1 block (6–8 ounces) feta cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
Seasonings and Extras
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Arrange Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and the salmon fillet (skin removed if preferred) around the feta.
- Season and Bake: Drizzle the olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, and salmon. Sprinkle with minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily, and the tomatoes are blistered.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and salmon bake, cook the pasta according to the package directions in salted water. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce and Combine: Remove the salmon from the baking dish and flake it with a fork. Stir the baked feta, tomatoes, and seasonings in the baking dish to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and stir everything together. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it by adding some reserved pasta water.
- Finish with Greens and Citrus: Gently fold in the flaked salmon, fresh spinach or arugula (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with fresh basil and an optional extra drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the feta with a dairy-free feta alternative.
- Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the baking dish for an extra briny and flavorful twist.
- Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully, making this dish great for meal prep.
