Creamy Salmon Feta Pasta Bake (Easy One Pan Dinner)
If you’re anything like me, weeknights are usually a mix of “what’s fast?” and “what will everyone actually eat?” This salmon feta pasta bake checks both boxes. It’s creamy, comforting, and made in one dish with simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and salmon.
It reminds me of some of my other easy, no-stress dinners like my Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta, which has that same cozy, one-pan feel, or my Instant Pot Harissa Mac and Cheese when I want something rich and comforting without standing over the stove.
What I really love about this recipe is how flexible it is. If you’re a fan of my super popular yogurt marinated chicken, you’ll appreciate how simple this method is, everything just goes into one baking dish and turns into something way better than you’d expect.
And if your family loves bold flavors like mine does, you might also enjoy recipes like Lemon Garlic Chicken, Paprika Chicken and Potatoes, or my Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma, which all have that same easy-but-packed-with-flavor vibe.
Whether you call it baked salmon pasta, feta salmon pasta bake, or easy salmon pasta dinner, it always turns out rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy. Everything bakes in one dish, then you just mix and add pasta.
Simple Ingredients. Pantry staples like feta, tomatoes, olive oil, and spices.
Creamy Without Cream. The feta and tomatoes melt into a rich, silky sauce.
Family-Friendly. Mild, comforting flavors that even picky eaters enjoy.
Ingredients For Salmon Feta Pasta Bake
- Pasta
- Salmon Fillet
- Feta Cheese
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley
- Seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika
See recipe card for quantities…
Instructions
1. Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Assemble the baking dish:
- Add cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and salmon to a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until tomatoes are soft, feta is creamy, and salmon is cooked through.
4. Cook Pasta:
- While everything bakes, cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain.
5. Mix and Serve:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently mix everything together to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and parsley. Toss well to coat. Serve warm.
Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card!
Substitutions
- Salmon: Use shrimp or chicken instead
- Feta: Swap with goat cheese or cream cheese for a milder flavor
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work
- Cherry tomatoes: Can use grape tomatoes or chopped regular tomatoes
- Olive oil: Avocado oil works too
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Pot for Pasta
- Mixing Spoon
- Foil (optional for easier cleanup)
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan or microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. The salmon stays flavorful, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Recipe Tips
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything ahead, but bake and mix just before serving for best texture.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, any short pasta works best like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
How do I know the salmon is cooked?
It should flake easily with a fork and look opaque in the center.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work great.
Related
Pairing
I usually keep things simple when I serve this salmon feta pasta bake because the dish is already rich and filling on its own. On busy nights, I’ll add a light side like a simple lemon green salad or fresh cucumber salad to balance out the creamy feta sauce.
If I want to make it a bigger family dinner, I’ll sometimes add something like my Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Veggies or even Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma when I’m feeding extra hungry people at home. And honestly, no matter what, I almost always serve it with warm air fryer garlic bread or crusty bread on the side because that sauce deserves to be scooped up until the very last bite.
This is one of those dinners that works beautifully on its own, but also fits right into a full table of easy, comforting family recipes.
Creamy Salmon Feta Pasta Bake (Easy One Pan Dinner)
Equipment
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 100 g dry penne pasta
- 1 salmon fillet 6–8 oz / 170–225 g
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Optional:
- 2 –3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
- squeeze of lemon juice
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Add cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and salmon to a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tomatoes are soft, feta is creamy, and salmon is cooked through.
- While everything bakes, cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently mix everything together to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and parsley. Toss well to coat. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t over bake the salmon, it should flake easily but still stay juicy
- Use block feta for the creamiest texture
- Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed
Food Safety
- Don’t leave chicken or marinade out for more than 1–2 hours.
- Cook chicken to 74°C (165°F) using a Meat Thermometer.
- Don’t reuse raw marinade unless boiled first.
- Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling raw chicken.
Follow safe storage and handling tips from USDA.
