There is something truly comforting and vibrant about this Baked Salmon Pasta (Healthy, No Cream!) Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite in my kitchen. Picture perfectly tender salmon baked alongside garlic-kissed cherry tomatoes and broccoli, all tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil. This dish manages to balance healthiness with flavor, proving you don’t need heavy cream or complicated sauces to create a luscious, satisfying meal. It’s fresh, colorful, and unbelievably simple to whip up on any weeknight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden tray on a white marbled surface with eight food items arranged neatly. On the left bottom is a white plate with three raw pink salmon fillets showing their lines and texture. Next to it, slightly above, is a half yellow lemon placed on a small dark brown round plate. Above the lemon is a dark brown bowl filled with small round red cherry tomatoes. In the middle is a small dark brown bowl filled with chopped garlic. Below the bowl is a bunch of yellow uncooked spaghetti spread out flat on the tray. To the right of the spaghetti is a white scalloped bowl filled with fresh dark green spinach leaves. Above it, to the right, is a white bowl overflowing with green broccoli florets. At the bottom right is a small white bowl filled with yellow olive oil. The whole setup is brightly lit, showing fresh ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Baked Salmon Pasta (Healthy, No Cream!) Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a key role in bringing texture, bright flavor, and a wholesome punch to the table without overwhelming the palate.

4 cups broccoli florets: Adds crunch, vibrant green color, and essential nutrients.
10 ounces cherry tomatoes: Burst of sweetness and juicy acidity that balances the dish.
5 large cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a punch of savory flavor.
1/4 cup olive oil (divided): Infuses richness and helps everything meld together beautifully.
1 pound fresh salmon, skin removed: The star protein, flaky and rich in healthy omega-3 fats.
8 ounces dry pasta (linguine recommended): The perfect base that captures all the juices and flavors.
1/2 a lemon, juiced: Brightens the salmon and ties the whole dish together.
Approx. 1 ounce fresh basil leaves, chopped: Adds an herby fresh finish.
Salt + pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance every ingredient.

How to Make Baked Salmon Pasta (Healthy, No Cream!) Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pasta Water

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for gentle roasting that keeps the salmon moist and the veggies tender. At the same time, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta later on – multitasking for efficiency!

Step 2: Arranging the Veggies and Salmon

In a large baking dish, toss the chopped broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic with one tablespoon of olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Push the veggies toward the sides to create a nest in the center for the salmon fillet, ensuring the salmon cooks evenly and absorbs all the vegetable flavors.

Step 3: Seasoning and Baking

Brush the salmon with another tablespoon of olive oil and drizzle the lemon juice over the top. Give the salmon a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily and the veggies turn delightfully golden and tender.

Step 4: Cooking the Pasta

While your salmon and veggies roast, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and return it to the pot. Toss the pasta with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to keep it glossy, prevent sticking, and add extra flavor.

Step 5: Combining Everything

When your baking dish comes out of the oven, gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces using a spatula or fork. Stir together the salmon, roasted veggies, and pasta back in the baking dish. Add the chopped fresh basil, and give everything a final toss. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and add a little more olive oil for extra silkiness if you like.

How to Serve Baked Salmon Pasta (Healthy, No Cream!) Recipe

In a white rectangular baking dish, two pinkish-orange salmon fillets seasoned with black pepper sit in the center, surrounded by bright green roasted broccoli florets and vibrant red roasted cherry tomatoes scattered evenly around the edges. The broccoli has slightly charred dark tips, and the cherry tomatoes appear soft and blistered. The dish rests on a background with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can give this dish a little lovely crunch and more intense flavor, although it shines beautifully as is. A few bright basil leaves or a zest of lemon on top add extra color and brightness before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or some warm garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of flavor from the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this Baked Salmon Pasta (Healthy, No Cream!) Recipe in individual shallow bowls, layering salmon and veggies on the bottom and pasta on top for a stunning visual. You could also turn it into a warm pasta salad by letting the ingredients cool slightly and then drizzling with a little extra virgin olive oil and cracked black pepper before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help preserve the salmon’s moisture and keep the veggies fresh. Be sure to add any fresh herbs after reheating to maintain their bright flavor.

Freezing

While pasta with salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Microwave reheating works too but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely before baking so it cooks evenly alongside the vegetables.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! Simply substitute your regular pasta with a certified gluten-free variety, and everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I swap the broccoli for other vegetables?

Definitely. As long as the veggies have a similar baking time, options like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini work beautifully.

Can I add cream or cheese to make it richer?

This recipe shines without cream, keeping it light and healthy, but if you want a richer texture, a small sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds great depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly baked?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque all the way through, typically after about 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Baked Salmon Pasta (Healthy, No Cream!) Recipe a try soon. It’s such a joyous, healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes, perfect for any season and any skill level. Every bite bursts with freshness and comforting warmth, making it more than just dinner—it’s like a little celebration on a plate.