Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple, comforting dish that blends creamy baked feta cheese with juicy roasted tomatoes and perfectly cooked pasta. This flavorful recipe comes together quickly and makes an impressive meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil, add minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat.
3. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
4. Step 4: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the baked feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetable boost.
• Swap dried oregano for fresh thyme or rosemary to vary the herb profile.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Feta’s tangy, creamy texture is key to this dish, but you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor and texture. However, these will alter the original taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can use a vegan feta substitute or firm tofu seasoned with lemon juice and salt. Also, choose your preferred vegan pasta to keep the dish plant-based.

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe combines al dente pasta with a creamy, tangy sauce made by baking a block of feta cheese and cherry tomatoes together. The oven roasting softens the tomatoes and melts the feta into a luscious sauce infused with garlic and oregano, creating a flavorful and easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Bake the Feta and Tomatoes: In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil and add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the tomatoes to coat them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the baked feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
4. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Dig In: Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this delicious baked feta pasta!

Notes

• For best results, use a good quality block of feta cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
• You can add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Optional additions include sautéed spinach or olives for extra flavor.

Keywords: baked feta pasta, feta cheese pasta, tomato feta pasta, easy pasta recipe, Mediterranean pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta