Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

If you have been searching for a comforting yet simple weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor and requires minimal effort, this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Combining juicy, roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy, oven-baked feta cheese with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish creates a luscious sauce that clings to every strand in the most delightful way. It’s a fusion of tangy, savory, and subtly spicy notes, brought together by fragrant herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil, making it one of those dishes that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Although the ingredient list is delightfully short, every component is essential in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe so crave-worthy. From the tangy feta to the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, each element plays a unique role in the final dish.

• 8 ounces pasta: Choose your favorite shape, but something like penne or rotini works great to hold the sauce.
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese: This block forms the creamy, tangy heart of the sauce when baked.
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness gets intensified as they roast alongside the feta.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld flavors while keeping everything silky.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle earthy aroma that complements the tomato and cheese.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts warmth and depth without overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just the right hint of heat for a little excitement.
• Salt to taste: Enhances all the ingredients, but remember feta also adds saltiness.
• Black pepper to taste: A final touch of spice to round out the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the feta and tomatoes nicely, allowing the cheese to soften without melting away completely.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salting the water well is key for flavorful pasta because it seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook it to al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

As the pasta cooks, place the block of feta cheese in the middle of a baking dish. Then, rinse and halve your cherry tomatoes and scatter them around the feta, creating a colorful, juicy frame. The contrast between the tomatoes and feta forms the base of this sauce.

Step 4: Season and Oil

Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes evenly to ensure everything stays moist and flavorful during roasting. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the top to build layers of flavor that will infuse the cheese and tomatoes as they bake.

Step 5: Bake Until Blissful

Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the feta to become soft and golden around the edges while the tomatoes burst and release their lovely juices. This is the magical moment where ingredients transform into sauce heaven.

Step 6: Mash the Mixture

Once out of the oven, break down the feta and roasted tomatoes by mashing them together with a spoon or fork. This creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that will coat your pasta perfectly.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your pasta, reserving about a quarter cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta directly into the baking dish with the feta-tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water little by little only if you need to loosen the sauce. This helps the sauce cling to every pasta shape.

Step 8: Add Fresh Basil

Chop fresh basil and sprinkle it generously over the pasta just before serving. Give one last gentle toss so the aromatic basil gently infuses the warm dish with a fresh, vibrant note.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

The final step is the best one — dive in right away and enjoy the creamy, tangy delight that is this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, consider adding extra touches like a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or even a handful of grated Parmesan for added umami. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness and a pop of color that makes your plate irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the richness of the feta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta directly in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style approach. Alternatively, twirl portions into individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a fresh basil leaf. For a more elegant presentation, add microgreens or edible flowers to the top to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly with time, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe freezes well. Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or rotini work well because they hold the sauce nicely, feel free to use whatever pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.

Is it necessary to halve the cherry tomatoes?

Halving the tomatoes helps them roast faster and release their juices into the sauce, but you can leave them whole for a slightly different texture if you like.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To keep it vegan or dairy-free, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that holds its shape when baked, and the dish can still be just as delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Fresh basil adds wonderful flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or replace it with fresh parsley or oregano for a slightly different herbal note.

Can I add protein to the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas can be great additions if you want to boost the protein content and turn this into a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create dinner magic. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting yet impressive, quick but full of flavor. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do — it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen too!

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