Baked Feta Pasta

$- 200g pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli recommended) - 200g feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish You can use different types of pasta if you want. Gluten-free or whole grain pasta works well too. If you need a dairy-free option, look for plant-based feta cheese. You can also switch up the herbs. Try thyme or basil for a fresh taste. Experiment with spices like Italian seasoning for added depth. - Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking for your dish. - Preparing the baking dish with tomatoes and feta In a large baking dish, place 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes and 200g of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil over them. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. If you like some heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them with oil and seasoning. - Baking time and temperature for the dish Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Look for blistered tomatoes and soft, slightly melted feta. - Cooking pasta to al dente While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 200g of pasta according to package directions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Mashing feta and tomatoes After baking, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together. This creates a creamy sauce that will coat the pasta. - Mixing in cooked pasta Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Mix well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy feta sauce. - Final baking for cheese melting Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. This melts the cheese and gives it a nice golden touch. Enjoy your creamy baked feta pasta! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To ensure the right sauce consistency, mix well after baking. The feta and tomatoes should blend into a creamy texture. If it's too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps achieve a silky sauce that clings well to the pasta. For baking the feta and tomatoes, use a wide dish. This allows for even cooking and helps the tomatoes blister nicely. Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature creates a perfect balance between softening the feta and roasting the tomatoes. You can cook pasta in many ways. Boiling pasta in salted water is standard, but you can also try baking it. For baked pasta, cook it halfway before mixing with the sauce. This method helps absorb flavors better. You can use different cooking dishes. A ceramic dish retains heat well and distributes it evenly. A glass dish is also great for watching your food as it cooks. Just ensure the dish is oven-safe for best results. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Toss them in right before serving for a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle in spices like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for depth. Pair your baked feta pasta with a simple salad. A garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily make baked feta pasta more colorful and healthy. Adding greens like spinach or kale boosts nutrition. Simply toss in a few handfuls. They wilt nicely while baking and add great flavor. You can also mix in veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Cut them into small pieces for even cooking. They add texture and taste to the dish. Want to make your dish heartier? Adding protein is a great idea. You can use cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option. For a vegetarian twist, try adding lentils or tofu. These add protein without changing the dish's flavor. Each option provides a unique taste while making it filling. Serve baked feta pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light arugula salad pairs well with the creamy pasta. You can easily prep this dish in advance. Just bake and cool it, then refrigerate. Reheat it before serving for a quick weeknight meal. For the best taste, enjoy it fresh but leftovers can be just as good. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first, then seal it tight. Place it in the fridge. When you want to eat it again, simply reheat it in the microwave. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes or until it's warm. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the pasta creamy. To freeze baked feta pasta, first let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave on low power. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot. Baked feta pasta can last in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Store it well to keep it fresh longer. Signs that it has spoiled include a sour smell or off texture. If you see mold, throw it away. Always trust your senses. If it looks or smells bad, it’s best to discard it. Enjoy your meals while they are fresh! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce. Store both in the fridge. When ready to serve, mix them and bake until warm. What can I use instead of feta cheese? If you need a swap, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both will give a nice creamy texture. You can also use dairy-free options like almond-based cheese. Is baked feta pasta healthy? This dish can be a healthy choice. It has fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Use whole grain pasta for added fiber. Watch your portion sizes for a balanced meal. How do I make it spicier? To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste! Can I use different pasta shapes? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you like. Penne and fusilli work well, but spaghetti or farfalle are great choices too. Can I bake this dish in a different oven type (e.g., convection)? Yes, you can use a convection oven. Just lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and check for doneness a bit sooner. What pairings go well with baked feta pasta? This dish pairs nicely with a fresh salad. You could also serve it with garlic bread or grilled veggies for a complete meal. How do I know when it's done cooking? Look for blistered tomatoes and soft feta. The pasta should be hot and well-coated. A quick taste test will help too! This blog post covered a tasty baked feta pasta recipe, including key ingredients and substitutions. You learned how to prepare, cook, and enhance the dish for great flavor. I also shared tips for variations and storage to keep your meal fresh. Remember, it's a flexible recipe. Feel free to adjust ingredients or add your favorite veggies and proteins. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment to find your perfect version!$

Dive into the delicious world of creamy baked feta pasta! This heavenly dish combines tender pasta with oven-roasted tomatoes and rich feta cheese for an unforgettable meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can impress your family with a gourmet dinner in just 45 minutes. Satisfy your cravings and bring culinary joy to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

200g pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli recommended)

200g feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and feta cheese in the center.

Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. Add the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them with the oil and seasonings.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly melted.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix well to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the feta sauce.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese.

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4