Description
Experience the irresistible charm of Baked Feta Pasta, a creamy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring oven-baked feta cheese and bursting cherry tomatoes combined with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy and satisfying recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that will impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes to ensure even roasting.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle with the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake: Bake the feta and tomatoes for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta develops a golden top layer, indicating it’s perfectly roasted.
- Cook Pasta: While baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Create the Sauce: When baking is done, use a fork to mash and mix the feta and tomatoes inside the baking dish until you achieve a creamy, chunky sauce consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the baking dish. Stir well until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy baked feta and tomato sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Enhance this dish by adding baby spinach, kalamata olives, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and protein.
- This pasta is best enjoyed immediately for optimal creaminess and warmth.
- Use pasta shapes like penne or rotini to hold the sauce nicely.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
