If you are searching for a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, then this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It beautifully blends bursting juicy grape tomatoes and creamy baked feta cheese into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to each bow tie pasta piece. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process, this recipe transforms ordinary pantry staples into a vibrant, flavorful dinner that’s as satisfying as it is stunning. It’s no surprise it has become a beloved comfort food for so many, offering a wonderful balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a fantastic example of how a few simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each component is essential for building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- Grape tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes burst with juicy flavor that softens beautifully during baking.
- Feta cheese (8 oz block): Creamy and tangy, it melts into a rich sauce that brings the dish together.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that infuses a subtle earthiness and depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors, making every ingredient shine.
- Olive oil (5 tablespoons): Adds a silky texture and rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup chopped): Delivers a herbal brightness and vibrant pop of color.
- Bow tie pasta (12 oz): The perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce and add a tender bite.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to gently roast the tomatoes and feta into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.
Step 2: Toss Tomatoes with Seasonings
In a large baking dish, place your grape tomatoes and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle the salt and Italian seasoning over the tomatoes, then toss everything gently so each little tomato is flavored evenly. This mix will release all those sweet juices as it roasts.
Step 3: Add the Feta Centerpiece
Place the feta block dead center among the tomatoes and drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil right over the cheese. This olive oil bath helps the feta soften beautifully and develop that irresistible golden edge as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake Until Blissful
Pop the baking dish into your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tomatoes have burst open, their juices mingling with the melted feta, creating a rich and creamy sauce with gorgeous roasted notes.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes and feta are working their magic, cook your bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it and keep it warm, ready to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Mash and Mix
When the baking dish comes out of the oven, grab a fork and gently mash the feta and tomatoes together. This creates a luscious, creamy base that will cling perfectly to your pasta for silky mouthfuls.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything thoughtfully, ensuring every bow tie is lovingly coated in that dreamy baked feta sauce.
Step 8: Final Touch of Freshness
Fold in the chopped fresh basil, which adds a fresh herbal brightness and beautiful green flecks throughout the dish. Give it one last toss and prepare for pure pasta happiness.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves on top before serving for a burst of color and fragrant aroma that makes the dish feel extra special. For a touch of crunch, toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil add wonderful texture and richness.
Side Dishes
Baked Feta Pasta is such a flavorful star that it pairs beautifully with a crisp simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complement the creamy pasta, creating a balanced feast that feels fresh yet indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family gatherings, serve this pasta straight from the baking dish at the center of the table, letting everyone dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate it individually with a sprinkle of extra herbs and a wedge of lemon for a restaurant-worthy experience that’s cozy but sophisticated.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover baked feta pasta to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit overnight, but it remains delicious and easy to revive.
Freezing
This pasta keeps best fresh, but if you want to freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cheese from drying out, ensuring every bite stays creamy and indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes in this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes or even small Roma tomatoes work well. Just pick tomatoes that are sweet and juicy to get that lovely burst of flavor as they roast.
Is feta cheese the only cheese that works here?
Feta’s crumbly texture and tangy flavor are central to the dish, but you can experiment with similar brined cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, you can create a delicious vegan version, though the flavor will differ from the classic tangy feta taste.
What pasta types work best with this recipe?
Bow tie pasta is fantastic because its shape holds the sauce well, but feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti, depending on what you have on hand.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas make excellent additions, turning this pasta into a heartier meal without losing the essence of the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe a try because it’s one of those rare dishes that dazzles with simplicity and comfort all at once. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort, and every bite feels like a small celebration. Once you taste it, I bet it will find a permanent place in your recipe rotation just like it has in mine!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a creamy, savory dish combining juicy roasted grape tomatoes and a golden block of baked feta cheese, tossed with bow tie pasta and fresh basil. Easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a stylish meal to impress guests.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Dairy
- 1 (8 oz) brick of feta cheese
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough for roasting the tomatoes and baking the feta cheese perfectly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the grape tomatoes in a large baking dish, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly with the seasoning and oil.
- Add the Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes, then drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta to help it bake into a creamy texture.
- Bake: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and starts to turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare the Pasta: While baking, cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm until ready to combine.
- Mash and Mix: After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and burst the tomatoes, stirring to create a luscious, creamy sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the hot cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy feta and roasted tomato sauce.
- Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil for freshness and aroma. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with extra basil leaves for color and flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe grape tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes before baking.
- The dish is best served hot and fresh to enjoy the creamy texture of the baked feta sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
