If you’ve been looking for a comforting, incredibly delicious meal that feels gourmet but comes together with ease, this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine creamy, tangy feta melting with roasted, burst cherry tomatoes to form the most luscious sauce you’ll ever twirl on your fork. This dish is vibrant, wholesome, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the bright pop of cherry tomatoes to the rich creaminess of feta, every item helps create something special in your kitchen.
- 8 oz block of feta cheese: The creamy, salty centerpiece that melts into a dreamy sauce.
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes: These burst in the oven, adding sweetness and juiciness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps roast ingredients beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an herby earthiness that complements feta perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat for those who like a little spice.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, fragrant finish to the dish.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to roasting the tomatoes until they burst and mellow into sweetness while giving the feta a golden, slightly browned top that’s heavenly.
Step 2: Arrange Cheese and Tomatoes
Place the block of feta right in the center of a large baking dish. Surround it lovingly with your cherry tomatoes. This simple arrangement ensures everything roasts evenly and blends together beautifully later.
Step 3: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle the olive oil all over the feta and tomatoes, making sure they are well-coated to help with roasting and flavor. Sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, then a pinch of salt and black pepper. These seasonings create a savory, slightly spiced base that really makes this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe pop.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are blistered and juicy, and the feta has softened and browned just slightly on top. The aroma alone will have you eager to dig in.
Step 5: Cook Your Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes bake, boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save about a cup of the pasta water before draining – this starchy water is magic when it comes to loosening up the sauce perfectly.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the warm, softened feta and roasted tomatoes together right in the dish. The result is a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with the sweet tang of tomatoes and salty depth of feta.
Step 7: Combine and Adjust
Add your cooked pasta directly to the baking dish and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick or clumpy, stir in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get the perfect silky consistency that clings deliciously to every strand or piece of pasta.
Step 8: Add Final Touches
Finish off the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh basil leaves on top. This adds a fragrant, fresh lift and beautiful green contrast against the golden feta and bright red tomatoes. Serve it warm, and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or even a sprinkle of parsley add brightness and a pop of color. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a scattering of toasted pine nuts can also elevate the textures and flavors just the right amount.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can complete the meal beautifully. A simple cucumber and lemon salad or steamed green beans offer refreshing contrasts to the creamy pasta sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta straight from the baking dish for a rustic family-style feel, or plate it elegantly twirled in a shallow bowl with garnishes artfully scattered on top. For a fun twist, try spooning the sauce over baked zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower rice for a lighter spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Pasta Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, but a quick reheat with a splash of water or olive oil brings back that creamy magic.
Freezing
Though this pasta is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s texture.
Reheating
For reheating, warm your pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little bit of reserved pasta water or olive oil to loosen the sauce as it heats, helping keep the flavor fresh and the texture smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique salty tang and creamy texture when baked are what make this recipe so special, so swapping it out will change the flavor quite a bit. However, halloumi or goat cheese could be interesting alternatives if you’re looking to experiment.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti all work beautifully as they hold onto the sauce well. Pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand — this dish is versatile and forgiving.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
While the classic version relies on feta, you can try a vegan cheese alternative that melts well, or use a cashew-based creamy sauce instead. Roasted tomatoes and garlic will still provide loads of flavor.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas make great additions if you want to bulk up the meal.
How spicy does the red pepper flakes make it?
Adding red pepper flakes gives the dish a gentle heat, but it’s very mild and adjustable—you can leave them out or add more depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, effortlessly combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. So grab that block of feta and those juicy tomatoes, and dive into one of the easiest, tastiest meals you can make at home. Trust me, once you try it, it will become an instant favorite!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet delicious one-pot pasta dish featuring a creamy sauce made from roasted feta cheese and blistered cherry tomatoes. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is quick to prepare, combining tangy feta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and aromatic herbs into a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the feta and tomatoes, allowing them to cook evenly and develop rich flavors.
- Arrange the ingredients: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large baking dish and surround it evenly with the cherry or grape tomatoes, setting the stage for roasting.
- Add seasoning and oil: Drizzle the olive oil over both the feta and tomatoes to coat them well. Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season generously with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Roast the feta and tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta cheese turns golden and soft, ready to be transformed into a sauce.
- Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes roast, cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
- Create the sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together with a fork or spoon, blending them into a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the pasta for a bright herbal finish and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer, substitute the feta with goat cheese for a milder taste or add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta and adjusts the texture without diluting the flavor.
- For a vegan twist, use vegan feta cheese and ensure the pasta is egg-free.
- This pasta can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
