The Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is an absolute game changer when you want to whip up something effortlessly delicious yet impressive. Imagine juicy, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, mingling with warm, creamy feta cheese that melts right into a perfectly textured sauce. Tossed with your favorite pasta and a touch of fragrant garlic and herbs, this dish delivers vibrant colors and bold flavors that are sure to brighten up any dinner table. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect go-to when you want something comforting and fresh all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple but each one plays a crucial role in the symphony of flavors and textures in this pasta dish. The blocks of feta bring a creamy tang, while the tomatoes add juiciness and sweetness, and the pasta gives a hearty base that soaks up all that luscious sauce.
- 8 oz block of feta cheese: This is the creamy star of the dish, offering salty richness that perfectly balances the sweet tomatoes.
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes: Their burst of natural sweetness and juiciness helps create the sauce’s vibrant flavor and lovely color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic depth and slight pungency that lifts the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Coats the cheese and tomatoes, helping them roast beautifully and enriching the sauce with silky texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbal note that complements both tomatoes and cheese perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a touch of heat in their pasta.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape as it soaks up the cheesy tomato sauce beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors just right.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, fragrant finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Preheating is key so the tomatoes roast perfectly and the feta softens just right.
Step 2: Assemble the Baking Dish
Place that block of feta smack dab in the middle of a large baking dish. Surround it lovingly with your cherry tomatoes, making sure they’re nestled close for even roasting.
Step 3: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle the olive oil generously over the cheese and tomatoes, ensuring everything gets a nice coating. Sprinkle on the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes if you want some heat, plus a pinch of salt and pepper to really bring all the flavors together.
Step 4: Roast Until Perfect
Put the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft enough to mash.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While that’s roasting, boil your chosen pasta according to the instructions on the package. Don’t forget to save about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining – it will come in handy for adjusting your sauce texture.
Step 6: Mash the Roasted Components
Take the dish out of the oven and use a fork or spoon to mash together the softened feta and roasted tomatoes. This creates a creamy, dreamy sauce ready to cling to your pasta.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained pasta straight into the baking dish and toss everything gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach that perfect silky consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve warm and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnish can elevate the dish beautifully. Fresh basil adds lovely herbal brightness, but you can also try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little color and spice. For those who love crunch, a handful of toasted pine nuts makes a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands well on its own, but pairing it with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables balances the meal nicely. Crusty bread also works wonders to scoop up any leftover sauce, making the whole experience feel cozy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in small bowls topped with whole roasted cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves, turning it into a colorful centerpiece. Alternatively, portion it into individual baking dishes and broil for a minute to get some bubbly, golden bits on top. Presentation matters, and these ideas make your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe feel extra special for guests or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The pasta and sauce keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it an easy, delicious lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
Freezing baked feta pasta is possible, but take note that the texture of the cheese and pasta might change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta, and use within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked feta pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the creamy sauce. Take care not to overheat, as feta can dry out quickly. Warm it just enough to bring back that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique crumbly and salty nature makes it ideal for this recipe, but you could try goat cheese or ricotta for a different twist. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will vary with substitutions.
What pasta shape works best for baked feta pasta?
Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti are popular choices because they hold the sauce nicely. Twisty shapes like fusilli catch the sauce well, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans or lactose intolerant individuals?
Because feta cheese is a key ingredient, this recipe isn’t vegan or lactose-free. However, you could experiment with vegan feta alternatives or cashew-based creamy cheeses to make it dairy-free.
Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even cooked chicken or shrimp can enhance the dish and turn it into a more substantial meal.
How spicy is the baked feta pasta if I include red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth and slight heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste or leave them out entirely if you prefer no spice.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dishes because it marries simplicity with stunning flavors and gorgeous presentation. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for when you want something comforting but impressive without hours of effort. Happy cooking!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful one-pot dish featuring creamy baked feta cheese blended with roasted cherry tomatoes and fragrant garlic. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil, this comforting meal is finished with fresh basil for an aromatic touch. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner that elevates everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the feta and tomatoes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large baking dish and arrange the cherry tomatoes around it evenly.
- Add Seasonings: Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring everything is coated well. Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper over the top.
- Roast Ingredients: Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes have blistered and the feta is golden and softened, creating a creamy texture.
- Cook Pasta: While roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Mash Roasted Mixture: Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the baked feta and roasted tomatoes together using a fork or spoon to form a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss well to coat the noodles in the sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top and serve the pasta warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency—it helps to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Use high-quality feta for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- The dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
