Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. It combines creamy feta cheese with sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is not only quick to make, but it also brings joyful flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Baked Feta Pasta. First, it requires just a few basic ingredients that you may already have at home. Second, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, as it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Additionally, this dish is incredibly comforting, providing a satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. Finally, the combination of baked feta and tomatoes creates a rich and creamy sauce that makes the pasta truly special.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) penne or any pasta of your choice
- 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In an oven-safe dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Toss to combine and season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the baked feta and tomatoes, stirring to mix well.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
You can serve Baked Feta Pasta warm, straight from the oven. It pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and extra flavor.
How to Store Baked Feta Pasta
If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta to help restore the creamy sauce. You can reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Baked Feta Pasta
- Use full-fat feta for a creamier texture.
- Feel free to add more vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your feta cheese.
- You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try using different types of pasta such as rigatoni or spaghetti. You can also swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or add olives for an extra Mediterranean touch. If you want a lighter version, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese instead of feta. Each will give a unique flavor to the dish.
2. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Baked Feta Pasta is vegetarian-friendly!
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked feta and tomato mixture ahead of time, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.
Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy dish combining creamy feta cheese with sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes and perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
- 200g (7 oz) penne or any pasta of your choice
- 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In an oven-safe dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Toss to combine and season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the baked feta and tomatoes, stirring to mix well.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Use full-fat feta for a creamier texture. Feel free to add more vegetables or swap in different types of pasta for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, easy pasta recipe, Mediterranean dish