Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
