If you have not yet fallen in love with the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, get ready for a game-changer that will turn your dinner routine upside down in the best way possible. This dish takes simple, everyday ingredients like creamy feta cheese, bursting cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta and brings them together in a warm, comforting blend that feels both fresh and indulgent. It’s honestly one of those recipes that tastes fancy but requires minimal effort, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. The magic happens in the oven, where the feta softens to a luscious creaminess and the tomatoes roast till they are sweet and slightly charred, creating a sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this recipe becomes a new favorite in your kitchen arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right starts with the simplest and freshest ingredients, each playing a starring role in this recipe. From the creamy texture of the feta to the juicy burst of roasted tomatoes, every component is essential to crafting that irresistible balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 8 oz block of feta cheese: This crumbly but creamy cheese is the heart of the dish, melting into a rich sauce as it bakes.
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they roast to perfection and provide a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the sauce.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A good-quality olive oil brings richness and helps roast the ingredients evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb contributes a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish): Bright, fragrant, and the perfect finishing touch to elevate the dish.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the feta and tomatoes perfectly—softening the cheese and bursting the cherry tomatoes just right.
Step 2: Arrange the Feta and Tomatoes
Place the block of feta cheese centrally in a large baking dish, then scatter your cherry tomatoes all around it. This arrangement helps the natural juices from the tomatoes mingle with the cheese as they roast.
Step 3: Flavor with Olive Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle the olive oil generously over the cheese and tomatoes so they coat beautifully. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and black pepper. This mix is where the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe really starts to build its unforgettable flavor.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes. The tomatoes will blister and collapse, releasing their juices, while the feta will become beautifully golden and irresistibly soft.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your cheese and tomatoes roast, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to save about a cup of the pasta water before draining; you’ll use this to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once roasted, remove the dish from the oven and use a fork or spoon to mash the softened feta and tomatoes together. This makes a luscious, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s like blending tangy creaminess with roasted sweetness.
Step 7: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Immediately add your cooked pasta to the baking dish with the feta and tomato sauce. Toss everything together, coating every bite in the creamy, flavorful mixture. If the sauce feels too thick, gently stir in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing generously with fresh chopped basil leaves for a bright, herbal lift. Serve warm and get ready to dive into this creamy, savory delight.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is the classic garnish here, adding vibrant color and an aromatic freshness that balances the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. For an extra layer of texture, you can sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This baked feta pasta shines on its own but can be paired with simple sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. A lemony arugula salad with a light vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast, while warm crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls topped with extra fresh basil and a crack of black pepper. You can also add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean vibes. Another beautiful idea is to toss the pasta with baby spinach or arugula for a subtle green boost that wilts just slightly in the warm sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before reheating and add a splash of water if needed to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing since the texture of the roasted tomatoes and feta can change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for quick, delicious next-day meals.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking and to bring back the creamy, silky sauce. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil can help loosen the sauce and revive its luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique salty tang and crumbly texture are key to this recipe’s charm, but if you’re looking for alternatives, fresh ricotta or goat cheese can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor and creaminess will differ a bit.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can create a vegan version by substituting feta with a plant-based cheese that melts well and swapping butter for olive oil. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic remains the same. The outcome won’t be identical but still delicious.
What pasta shape works best with baked feta pasta?
Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti are all great choices because their shapes cling well to the creamy sauce. You can experiment with other shapes, but choosing one that holds sauce helps you get the full flavor in every bite.
Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms complement the dish nicely. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp tossed in at the end can turn this into a more substantial meal.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The addition of red pepper flakes adds just a gentle heat that lifts the flavors without overwhelming them. You can adjust the amount based on your preference or leave them out entirely for a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s as simple as it is stunning, the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe should be at the top of your list. Its effortless prep, coupled with rich, savory flavors and comforting textures, make it a true crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite that I find myself making over and over again. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will be your new go-to whenever you want a warm hug on a plate. So grab that block of feta and those sweet cherry tomatoes and start roasting—you’re just minutes away from a delicious, soul-satisfying meal.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- 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
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines creamy roasted feta cheese with sweet blistered cherry tomatoes and pasta. Roasting the feta and tomatoes together creates a luscious, savory sauce that’s easy to mix with your favorite pasta. Garnished with fresh basil, this flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends.
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the feta and tomatoes.
- Arrange the feta and tomatoes: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large baking dish and surround it evenly with the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Add seasonings and oil: Drizzle 1/4 cup olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, making sure they’re well coated. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper on top.
- Roast in the oven: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta cheese has softened and turned golden.
- Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes roast, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together, forming a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish and mix thoroughly to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you achieve your preferred consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish and serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cherry or grape tomatoes with any small, sweet tomatoes if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the roasting mixture before baking.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust the sauce texture and binds the sauce to the pasta.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh basil adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
