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
Scale
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
