Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Introduction

Baked feta pasta is a simple yet impressive dish that combines creamy, oven-roasted feta cheese with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and lightly golden.
3. Step 3: Remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta into the roasted tomatoes and garlic to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use penne or fusilli for best sauce coverage, but any pasta shape works.
• Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
• For extra protein, toss in cooked chicken or sautéed spinach.
• Adjust garlic amount to taste or use roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
• If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Feta’s salty, creamy texture is key to this dish, but ricotta or goat cheese can work as substitutes. They will create a different flavor and consistency but remain delicious.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, baked feta pasta reheats well and can be prepared ahead of time. Just keep the pasta slightly undercooked if you plan to reheat to avoid mushiness.

Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

This Baked Feta Pasta is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese baked to perfection, then mixed with al dente pasta. The result is a simple yet indulgent meal topped with fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

For the Sauce

• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Bake the Feta and Tomatoes: In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta cheese is soft and lightly golden.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta cheese into the roasted tomatoes and garlic, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the dish and toss to combine everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve: Serve the baked feta pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if desired.

Notes

• You can use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni for best results.
• Adjust the amount of pasta water added to control the creaminess of the sauce.
• This dish can be made vegetarian but is not vegan due to the presence of feta cheese.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

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