If you have yet to dive into the magic of the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, prepare yourself for an absolute game-changer in the kitchen. It’s a strikingly simple dish that combines creamy, tangy feta cheese with sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes and perfectly al dente pasta, all coming together in a vibrant, luscious sauce. This dish not only tastes incredible but also boasts minimal ingredients and effort, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for your next gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s bringing depth, freshness, or a touch of spice. The blend of creamy feta and juicy tomatoes forms the heart of the sauce, while garlic and herbs add layers of irresistible flavor. Let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to create this delicious Baked Feta Pasta Recipe.
- 8 oz block of feta cheese: The star of the dish, providing a rich, salty creaminess.
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes: These burst with sweetness and soften beautifully when roasted.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant depth to balance the tangy cheese and sweet tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps roast the ingredients perfectly and binds the sauce together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a herbaceous earthiness that complements the cheese and tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a touch of heat.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Your canvas for the sauce, choose your favorite shape to soak it all in.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: To enhance and balance all the fresh flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is perfect for roasting the feta and tomatoes to sweet, blistered perfection. Grab a large baking dish because you want ample space to arrange the cheese and tomatoes without crowding, so they roast evenly.
Step 2: Arrange Feta and Tomatoes
Place the entire block of feta in the center of your baking dish and nestle the cherry tomatoes all around it. This simple arrangement allows the tomatoes to release their juices as they roast, mingling beautifully with the feta.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Drizzles and Seasonings
Drizzle olive oil generously over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring everything is coated with that luscious golden oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, and season with salt and black pepper. These seasonings will infuse the dish with amazing aroma and taste as they roast.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the magic happen for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are beautifully blistered and bursting with juices and the feta is golden on top and softened inside, ready to be mashed into a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your feta and tomatoes roast, cook your pasta of choice according to the package directions. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This water will be your secret weapon to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly later.
Step 6: Mash and Mix
Once roasted, remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork or spoon to mash together the softened feta and tomatoes. This is where the creamy sauce really comes together. Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. If things seem a bit thick, stir in reserved pasta water little by little until it’s just right.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top the pasta with freshly chopped basil leaves for that final burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite of this simple yet stunning Baked Feta Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice here, adding a bright, peppery note that brings everything to life. You could also sprinkle some extra flakes of red pepper for heat or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch and nuttiness. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving never hurts either.
Side Dishes
This baked feta pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance out the creamy sauce and a warm crusty bread to soak up every last bit. Roasted vegetables or a light cucumber and tomato salad would also complement it beautifully, keeping the meal fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls with a small wedge of roasted feta and tomatoes on top for a rustic feel. You can also sprinkle fresh microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to play with pasta shapes to change up the texture and look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked feta pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess and texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might change slightly upon thawing, so it’s more suited for a quick reheating rather than long-term storage.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Take care not to overheat, as feta can dry out or become crumbly. A gentle stir will restore the creamy texture nicely.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique tangy and salty profile is what makes this recipe so special, but you can experiment with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor. Just remember the texture and taste will vary.
What pasta type works best for Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?
Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work wonderfully because their shapes help hold onto the creamy sauce. Feel free to use what you have; each offers a slightly different eating experience but equally delicious results.
Can I add vegetables or proteins to this dish?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or grilled chicken make excellent additions that add extra nutrition and variety. Just fold them in after mashing the feta and tomatoes to maintain the creamy sauce consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Since feta is a dairy product, this recipe isn’t vegan, but you could try using a plant-based feta-style cheese and adjust seasonings accordingly. Roasting tomatoes with vegan cheese might require a bit of tweaking for texture and flavor.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The optional red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth that brightens the creaminess of the feta. If you prefer no heat, simply leave them out — the dish is delicious either way.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple but unforgettable and offers such a rewarding combination of flavors with minimal effort. Once you try it, this recipe might just become one of your new go-tos for both busy nights and special occasions. So grab your feta and tomatoes and start roasting — you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta combines creamy roasted feta cheese with blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a luscious sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. Simple yet flavorful, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the ingredients evenly.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large baking dish and surround it with the cherry tomatoes, setting the stage for roasting.
- Add Flavor: Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper evenly over the top.
- Roast Feta and Tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta cheese is golden and softened to a creamy texture.
- Cook the Pasta: While your feta and tomatoes roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Mash Roasted Ingredients: Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together with a fork or spoon to create a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat with the roasted feta tomato sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta and serve warm, enjoying the rich, tangy, and hearty flavors.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli, or even spaghetti depending on your preference.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for spiciness.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to help achieve a smooth sauce consistency.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
