Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, Baked Feta Pasta is about to become your go-to recipe. This dish has taken the internet by storm for good reason: it combines a handful of simple ingredients into something truly magical. Imagine sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes mingling with warm, melty feta, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh basil. It’s one of those rare meals that feels both indulgent and effortless, whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Feta Pasta lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a starring role, bringing something special to the table—whether it’s creamy richness, color, or a pop of fresh flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish shine:
- Feta cheese block (8 ounces): Choose a good-quality block for the best creamy texture and tangy kick.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): These burst into sweet, juicy perfection as they roast, creating the base of your sauce.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): A generous drizzle adds richness and brings everything together.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough heat to make every bite interesting without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the tangy feta.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavors.
- Pasta (10 ounces; penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti): Pick your favorite shape for the perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, torn): Stirred in at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
- Extra olive oil (for drizzling): A final drizzle adds gloss and a touch more richness.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): For those who can’t resist an extra cheesy finish.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grab a medium-sized baking dish. Place the whole block of feta cheese right in the center and surround it with all those vibrant cherry tomatoes. This setup makes sure every tomato gets a chance to roast up sweet and juicy while the feta turns golden and creamy.
Step 2: Season and Add Flavor
Drizzle the olive oil generously over both the feta and tomatoes, ensuring everything gets a light, glossy coating. Sprinkle on the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings are going to infuse the tomatoes and feta with layers of flavor as they bake, making the sauce truly irresistible.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are bursting and blistered, and the feta is soft and beautifully golden on top. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice until just al dente according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid will help create a silky sauce later. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the feta and tomatoes are bubbling and golden, take the dish out of the oven. Using a spoon, mash and mix the feta and tomatoes together right in the baking dish. The tomatoes will release their juices, blending with the melted feta and olive oil to create a creamy, luscious sauce.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Add your cooked pasta directly to the baking dish along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in that dreamy, creamy sauce. Stir in the torn fresh basil and finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your Baked Feta Pasta into bowls while it’s still warm and gooey. If you like, shower each serving with a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory goodness. Dig in and savor every bite!
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Garnishes
A handful of torn basil leaves brings a fresh, peppery note that brightens up each bite. For even more flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving. If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes works wonders too.
Side Dishes
Baked Feta Pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a side of garlicky roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left in your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Baked Feta Pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a dinner-party feel. You can even top each portion with a few roasted cherry tomatoes or a flourish of microgreens for extra color and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your leftovers just as delicious for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner.
Freezing
While freshly made is always best, you can freeze Baked Feta Pasta if needed. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well to bring back the creamy consistency and sprinkle with fresh basil or Parmesan before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A block of feta melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce, but in a pinch, you can use crumbled feta. Just make sure to heap the crumbles together in the center of your baking dish so they soften and brown nicely.
Is there a gluten-free option for Baked Feta Pasta?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so this meal is easy to adapt for different dietary needs.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to toss in spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers before baking. They’ll roast right alongside the tomatoes and feta, adding extra texture, nutrition, and flavor to your Baked Feta Pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, try using a plant-based feta alternative and check that your pasta is egg-free. While the flavor will be slightly different, you’ll still get that creamy, tangy, tomato-packed experience.
What’s the best way to get a super creamy sauce?
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water! Adding a splash when you toss the pasta helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra silky and luscious. Stir until everything is well combined, and enjoy that perfect, creamy Baked Feta Pasta.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Baked Feta Pasta has captured so many hearts and kitchens—it’s easy, deeply flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time to gather those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking!
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This baked feta pasta is a creamy, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to make. Featuring a block of baked feta cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes that combine to create a luscious sauce, tossed with your choice of pasta and fresh basil, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a shareable dinner with friends.
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Pantry Items
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
- Optional grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Pasta
- 10 ounces pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
Instructions
- Preheat 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. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the feta evenly.
- Add seasonings and oil: Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper evenly on top.
- Bake the feta and tomatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
- Cook pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Mash feta and tomatoes: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon, mash together the softened feta and burst tomatoes to form a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the feta tomato sauce. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra olive oil. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.
- Add vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for additional texture and nutrition.
- For extra protein, mix in cooked chicken or shrimp before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
