I’ve been making baked feta pasta for years, and it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress. The magic happens when a block of creamy feta roasts with cherry tomatoes and garlic, creating a rich, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. It’s so simple, yet the flavors feel fancy enough for company. Want to know the trick to making it even better? Stick around—I’ll show you.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This baked feta pasta recipe is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor, perfect for any occasion. You’ll love its creamy texture, minimal prep time, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss a block of feta with cherry tomatoes and bake for a fuss-free meal.
- Rich and Creamy: The melted feta creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite herbs, proteins, or veggies to make it your own.
Recipe
Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines creamy feta cheese, tangy tomatoes, and al dente pasta. This recipe has gained popularity for its ease of preparation and delicious results, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) feta cheese block
- 2 pints (about 500g) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are burst and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Mash the feta and tomatoes together with a fork until well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat feta cheese.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serving: 4-6
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Equipment
To prepare Baked Feta Pasta, you will need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment. Having the right equipment guarantees the recipe is easy to follow and yields the best results.
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for rinsing cherry tomatoes)
Nutrition
Baked Feta Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines creamy feta cheese with fresh tomatoes and pasta. It’s a balanced meal offering a mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins.
- High in protein from feta cheese and pasta.
- Rich in calcium and vitamin B12 from feta.
- Contains lycopene and vitamin C from tomatoes.
- Provides carbohydrates for energy from pasta.
- Moderate in healthy fats from olive oil and cheese.
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing my baked feta pasta with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. A fresh salad adds a crisp, light contrast to the dish, while roasted veggies bring extra flavor and texture. If I’m feeling fancy, a glass of white wine makes the meal feel complete.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread pairs perfectly with baked feta pasta, adding a crispy, buttery side that complements the creamy dish. I love experimenting with garlic varieties, like roasted or fresh, to amp up the flavor. For butter types, I go with unsalted for control or European-style for richness. Brushing it generously on toasted bread makes it irresistible. Trust me, it’s the ultimate match for this pasta!
Fresh Salad
A fresh salad is the perfect way to balance the rich, creamy flavors of baked feta pasta. I love using crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers for a mix of textures. A simple vinaigrette or tangy lemon dressing works wonders without overpowering the dish. It’s light, invigorating, and lets the fresh ingredients shine. Trust me, it’s the ideal side to complete your meal!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a fantastic companion to baked feta pasta, adding depth and variety to your meal. I love how the roasted flavors of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots enhance the dish’s richness. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized. They’re simple to prepare, and their natural sweetness balances the tangy feta perfectly. It’s a hearty, colorful addition!
Crusty Baguette
When I’m serving baked feta pasta, I always make sure to have a crusty baguette on hand—it’s the perfect way to soak up every last bit of that creamy, tangy sauce. For crusty baguette pairings, I love tearing off pieces to dip or using it to scoop up the pasta. For baguette storage, I keep it in a paper bag to maintain its crispness, ensuring it’s ready when I am.
White Wine
Though it’s not essential, I’ve found that a glass of white wine can really elevate the experience of enjoying baked feta pasta. When it comes to white wine pairings, I lean towards a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio—they balance the dish’s creaminess without overpowering it. My wine selection tip? Choose something invigorating and slightly acidic to complement the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
I know you might worry about messing up the recipe, but I’ve found that using alternative cheeses can work. I’ve tried goat cheese or ricotta, and they still give that rich cheese flavor I’m looking for.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
I can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping regular pasta for gluten-free noodles. It’s an easy recipe modification, and I’ll make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep it safe for everyone.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Planning ahead’s like smooth sailing—I can totally *make ahead* this dish for *meal prep*. It reheats beautifully, so I’ll prep the components, assemble later, and bake fresh. It’s a lifesaver for busy days!
What Can I Substitute for Cherry Tomatoes?
If I can’t find cherry tomatoes, I’d swap them with seasonal vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers. Tomato alternatives, such as sun-dried tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, also work well when I need a quick substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
When I meal prepped lasagna, I learned storing tips save texture. For leftovers, I pop them in an airtight container, refrigerate, and use reheating methods like microwaving covered or oven baking to keep flavors intact and avoid drying out.
