Baked Feta Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe

Introduction

Baked feta pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish bursting with creamy cheese and vibrant tomato flavors. This easy recipe combines roasted cherry and sun-dried tomatoes with melted feta for a luscious sauce that coats your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that impresses.

Ingredients

• 7 oz feta cheese block
• 18 oz whole cherry tomatoes
• 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced garlic, and red onion if using. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst and the feta is softened and slightly golden.
5. Step 5: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
6. Step 6: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash the softened feta and burst tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta cooking water to the baking dish. Toss well to combine and ensure the pasta is coated with the sauce.
8. Step 8: Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Step 9: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to suit your dietary preferences.
• For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream when mixing the pasta and sauce.
• Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula at the end for added greens and freshness.
• To deepen flavor, roast the tomatoes and feta a few minutes longer for a slightly caramelized finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed. The pasta is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes cut into bite-sized pieces, but cherry tomatoes work best as they roast quickly and burst to create a naturally sweet sauce.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water is important as it contains starch that helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta for a creamy consistency without adding extra oil or cheese.

Baked Feta Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 113 reviews

This Baked Feta Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish combining whole cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a block of baked feta cheese mixed with pasta. Roasting the tomatoes and feta together creates a rich sauce that’s both easy and impressive, garnished with fresh basil, lemon zest, and Parmesan for an extra layer of taste.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 7 oz feta cheese block
• 18 oz whole cherry tomatoes
• 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
• Lemon zest, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the feta and tomatoes.
2. Combine Vegetables and Seasonings: In a large baking dish, combine the whole cherry tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic, and red onion if using. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, then add dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently to mix well and evenly coat the ingredients.
3. Prepare Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish on top of the tomato mixture. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil directly over the feta to allow it to bake evenly and develop a golden crust.
4. Bake Ingredients: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes burst open and the feta develops a golden, softened texture.
5. Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes and feta bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
6. Combine Feta and Tomatoes: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash the softened feta and burst tomatoes together to create a creamy, textured sauce.
7. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta in the creamy tomato and feta sauce.
8. Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves to add a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
9. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest for added depth and a citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Optional red onion adds sweetness and texture but can be omitted for a simpler dish.
• Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
• Use good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Garnish with lemon zest and grated Parmesan for an elevated flavor profile.
• This dish is best served fresh and warm.

Keywords: baked feta pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipes, Mediterranean pasta, vegetarian pasta, baked tomato pasta