Description
This Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes is a deliciously simple and comforting baked pasta dish featuring creamy melted feta cheese and bursting roasted cherry tomatoes, enhanced with garlic, oregano, and fresh basil. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe combines baking and stovetop cooking to create a flavorful sauce that’s perfectly tossed with al dente pasta for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and feta.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around it. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and tomatoes, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper evenly.
- Bake: Bake the assembled ingredients for 25-30 minutes until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta softens and slightly melts, creating a creamy texture.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Combine: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together to form a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of crushed chili powder.
- The choice of pasta shape is flexible; penne, rotini, or spaghetti all work well.
- Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
- Reserve the pasta water carefully as it helps loosen the feta-tomato sauce and makes it silky.
- This dish can be served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
