If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant dish pairs perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy, tangy baked feta cheese with tender salmon and egg noodles, delivering a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. It’s comforting yet elegant, boasting a simple ingredient list that transforms into something truly special with every step. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is bound to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical recipes where each simple ingredient plays a crucial role. Freshness and balance are key, as every item contributes to the vibrant colors and layers of flavor, making the dish delightfully satisfying.
- Salmon filets (2 x 4-oz): Provides rich, buttery flavor and a hearty protein base.
- Feta cheese block (8-oz): The soul of this pasta, adding creamy tang and a slightly crumbly texture when baked.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint): Burst of sweetness and juiciness that intensifies with roasting.
- Small shallot (1): Offers gentle sharpness and depth without overpowering.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Ties everything together with a silky smoothness and subtle fruitiness.
- Herbs de Provence (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend that elevates the feta cheese with hints of lavender and thyme.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup): Adds brightness and herbaceous freshness for balance.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons): Introduces a delicate, slightly sweet earthiness that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 lemon): Adds a zesty tang that keeps the dish lively and fresh.
- Egg noodles (2 cups): Soft and comforting, soaking up the roasted flavors perfectly.
How to Make Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting the tomatoes and feta to a golden, bubbling state without drying out the salmon later.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
In a large baking dish, toss in the cherry tomatoes and finely chopped shallot, spreading them evenly. Create a little nest in the middle for your block of feta cheese. Drizzle the entire dish generously with extra-virgin olive oil to ensure everything roasts beautifully and gains that irresistible gloss.
Step 3: Season and Bake the Feta
Sprinkle the Herbs de Provence over the feta, letting those herbal notes infuse the cheese during cooking. Pop the dish into the oven for 15 minutes so the tomatoes soften and the feta starts to melt into a creamy dream.
Step 4: Add Salmon to the Dish
When the feta and tomatoes have had their moment, carefully take the baking dish out of the oven. Place the salmon filets skin-side down right on top of the roasted tomatoes for gentle cooking and flavor mingling.
Step 5: Season the Salmon and Continue Baking
Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then, return the dish to the oven for another 13 to 15 minutes, just long enough for the fish to become tender and flaky without losing moisture.
Step 6: Cook the Egg Noodles and Steam Spinach
While the salmon bakes, bring a pot of salted water to boil for the egg noodles. Cook them until al dente, then drain. At the same time, steam your spinach, either on the stove or in the microwave, so it’s tender yet still bright green.
Step 7: Remove Salmon and Skin It
Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, remove it carefully from the baking dish using a spatula. Peel off the skin—this step ensures every bite is silky and smooth.
Step 8: Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish
Place the salmon filets back into the dish alongside the steamed spinach, drained noodles, fresh dill, basil, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. This combination starts building that signature, fresh yet creamy flavor profile.
Step 9: Flake and Mix Everything Together
Gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and fold everything together. Watch as the melted feta transforms into a luscious coating, binding all the ingredients for the perfect creamy pasta experience.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Dish the pasta out into warm bowls and get ready to dig in. Each forkful brings together the sweet tomatoes, creamy feta, tender salmon, and fragrant herbs in a delightful symphony of flavors you’ll want again and again.
How to Serve Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving. A zest of lemon peel can also give a vibrant pop that perfectly complements the creamy pasta.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon, or some roasted asparagus. Something light and fresh balances the richness of the pasta wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve this pasta family-style in the baking dish it was cooked in, allowing guests to help themselves from the communal goodness. Alternatively, layering individual servings with a drizzle of extra olive oil and fresh herb sprigs makes for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, but the pasta is best enjoyed fresh for maximum texture and brightness.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can freeze the baked feta and tomato mixture without the noodles and herbs. Freeze in a sealed container for up to one month, then thaw before reheating and combining with fresh pasta and herbs.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the salmon tender and the feta creamy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work perfectly here. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente.
What if I don’t have Herbs de Provence?
No worries! A mix of dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil can substitute nicely, giving your feta the same lovely aromatic profile.
Can I swap salmon for another fish or protein?
Salmon’s rich flavor is ideal here, but you could try trout or even cooked shrimp for a different twist. Just keep cooking times in mind since other proteins may require less time.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the salmon and add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. The baked feta and tomatoes still create a rich, satisfying sauce that stands perfectly on its own.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon should be opaque all the way through and flake easily with a fork. The timing in the recipe is a guide, but always keep an eye depending on your oven and filet thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe truly brings something special to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels thoughtful and gourmet but comes together effortlessly, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share that warm, satisfying feeling that only a great pasta meal can deliver.
Print
Baked Feta Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Baked Feta Salmon Pasta is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon filets baked atop juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese. Combined with fresh herbs, lemon, and egg noodles, this one-pan recipe is wholesome, easy to prepare, and perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 2 4-oz salmon filets
- 1 block feta cheese (8-oz)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
Pasta & Grains
- 2 cups egg noodles
Oils & Seasonings
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling and seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes and chopped shallot. Leave a space in the center to place the feta cheese block.
- Add Feta and Drizzle Olive Oil: Place the block of feta cheese in the middle of the baking dish. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the feta, tomatoes, and shallots to ensure they roast nicely.
- Season and Bake Feta: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Herbs de Provence evenly over the feta. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the feta begins to soften and tomatoes blister.
- Place Salmon on Bake: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Place the two salmon filets skin side down on top of the roasted tomatoes around the feta.
- Season Salmon and Bake Further: Drizzle olive oil on the salmon, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 13 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and tender.
- Boil Noodles and Steam Spinach: While the salmon bakes, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Simultaneously, steam fresh spinach on the stovetop or in the microwave until wilted, then drain and set aside.
- Remove Skin from Salmon: Once the salmon is fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spatula, carefully lift the salmon filets out and peel off the skin.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the skinless salmon filets back into the baking dish. Add the steamed spinach, drained noodles, fresh dill, chopped basil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the dish.
- Flake and Mix: Gently flake the salmon with a fork and thoroughly mix all ingredients together, allowing the softened feta to coat the pasta and vegetables with its creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the baked feta salmon pasta into bowls and serve immediately while warm for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula based on preference.
- Ensure salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes while seasoning.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently.
