This 5-ingredient oven baked salmon and bucatini is the kind of practical dinner that turns pantry staples and a bag of frozen fish into something that feels surprisingly complete. Baking the pasta and salmon together in one dish keeps the method simple, and the salmon gently cooks while the bucatini absorbs flavor from the sauce, giving you a weeknight meal with very little hands-on work.
A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus all pair nicely with this dish and help round out the richness of the salmon and pasta. If you want something to catch the extra sauce, warm garlic bread or a slice of rustic Italian bread works especially well, and a squeeze of fresh lemon at the table brightens everything.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Salmon and Bucatini
Servings: 4
Ingredients
12 ounces frozen raw salmon strips
8 ounces bucatini pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In an oven-safe 9x13-inch glass baking dish, spread the dry bucatini as evenly as possible, breaking it in half if needed so it fits comfortably.
2. Pour the marinara sauce and heavy cream over the pasta, then use a fork or tongs to gently move the bucatini around so it is mostly coated. Place the frozen salmon strips on top in an even layer.
3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and check that the pasta is softening and the salmon is beginning to cook through.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted, the pasta is tender, and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle slightly. Use a large spoon to portion the pasta and salmon together onto plates or shallow bowls.
Variations & Tips
Use a little hot water if needed: If your sauce is especially thick, add up to 1/2 cup hot water before baking so the bucatini has enough moisture to soften properly. Oven-baked pasta can vary a bit depending on the brand and thickness.
Swap the sauce: Alfredo sauce or vodka sauce can be used in place of marinara for a different flavor profile. If you make this change, keep the cream amount modest so the dish does not become too loose.
Add brightness at the table: Even though this is designed as a 5-ingredient meal, a squeeze of lemon and a crack of black pepper right before serving can make the salmon taste livelier and balance the richness of the cheese and cream.
Check the salmon in the center: Because frozen salmon strips can vary in thickness, test a piece from the middle of the dish before serving. It should flake easily and look opaque throughout.