Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring creamy, baked feta cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes. When mixed together, they create a savory sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta, making it an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 block of feta cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- 10 oz pasta of your choice
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the feta cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the feta is softened and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.
- While the feta is baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
- Remove the feta and tomatoes from the oven, then mix and smash everything together to form a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Feta Pasta: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dish before baking for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives and artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Include sliced bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrients.
- Herbed Feta: Use herbed feta for additional flavors, or add dried oregano and thyme.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to restore the creamy texture.
10 FAQs
- Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes, but a block melts and combines better. Crumbled feta can still work if packed closely in the center. - What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini works well, but any pasta will do. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta. - Is fresh basil necessary?
Fresh basil adds a nice touch, but you can use dried basil or skip it if needed. - Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta can work, but the flavor and texture will differ. - Do I need to cook the tomatoes beforehand?
No, they cook perfectly in the oven and become soft and juicy. - Can I make this vegan?
Use a vegan feta alternative and plant-based pasta for a vegan-friendly version. - What’s the best way to keep the pasta from drying out?
Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before reheating to retain moisture. - Can I add protein?
Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp make great additions. - Can I use sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique flavor but won’t become as soft as fresh ones.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, savory dish that’s incredibly easy to make and full of flavor. With its minimal ingredients and versatile options, this recipe is perfect for any pasta lover seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta is a simple and delicious dish that combines creamy feta, roasted cherry tomatoes, and garlic to create a rich sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. A crowd-pleasing, one-dish meal!
Ingredients
- 1 block of feta cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- 10 oz pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish.
- Surround the feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and minced garlic.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta cheese and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and tomatoes are blistered.
- While the feta is baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Once the feta is done baking, remove from the oven and mix everything together, smashing the feta and tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the feta and tomato sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or substitute the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes