Baked Feta Pasta is a delightful fusion of creamy cheese and bursting cherry tomatoes that’s perfect for any night of the week. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly tasty and customizable to suit your family’s preferences. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, Baked Feta Pasta is your go-to recipe for busy days when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 490
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 635mg
Why Make Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a meal that brings joy to the table. It offers a delightful combination of flavors while being packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes. This dish is also extremely versatile; you can adjust the spices and add your favorite vegetables without losing the authentic creamy texture. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting a gathering, Baked Feta Pasta is sure to impress!
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Step by Step
Ingredients
8 ounces block feta cheese
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish. Surround with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Remove baking dish from the oven and stir feta and tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed. Toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Serve Baked Feta Pasta with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick. Pair it with a refreshing glass of white wine to round off the dining experience perfectly.
How to Store Baked Feta Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water if needed. You can also freeze Baked Feta Pasta for up to three months—just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Expert Tips for Cooking Baked Feta Pasta
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
- Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Adjust the level of spices based on your family’s taste preferences.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream after mixing in the pasta.
- Don’t forget to reserve pasta water; it’s a valuable addition for achieving the desired sauce consistency.
Delicious Variations of Baked Feta Pasta
- Spicy Baked Feta Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Herbed Baked Feta Pasta: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic touch.
- Citrus Baked Feta Pasta: Squeeze some lemon juice over the top before serving for a refreshing zing.
Delve into the magic of Baked Feta Pasta! This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly simple to make. With its creamy sauce and juicy tomatoes, it’s a dish you won’t want to miss. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Baked Feta Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it out today!
Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped for garnish
For the sauce
- 8 ounces block feta cheese use high-quality feta for best flavor
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) add more for a fiery twist
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish.
- Surround with cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Cooking
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Remove baking dish from the oven and stir feta and tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed. Toss to coat evenly.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
