If you’re looking for a dish that’s as simple as it is tasty, baked feta pasta is where it’s at! This recipe combines creamy feta and sweet roasted tomatoes for a pasta experience that’s pretty hard to beat.
This recipe solves busy weeknights, budget constraints, and messy stovetop meals by delivering quick prep, simple steps, and minimal cleanup.
I always struggle to find meals that don’t take forever to prep but also fill me up. That’s why I love this baked feta pasta, it’s quick to throw together, and you won’t end up with a sink full of dishes afterward. Plus, it really hits the spot after a long day.
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses just a few ingredients, yet you’ll feel like a chef in the kitchen. The tomatoes caramelize as they roast, creating a lovely sauce that’s super satisfying. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 40 minutes, which is reasonable for a homemade meal.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, or if you just love pasta, you might want to check out Ramen Carbonara. It’s a fun twist that’ll shake up your dinner routine!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture This baked feta pasta is creamy without any heavy cream, thanks to the melting feta and roasted tomatoes, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Bright Flavor Roasting the cherry tomatoes really amps up their sweetness, making each bite a delicious combination of savory and fresh herbs that keep things exciting.
- Time-Saving Convenience You can whip this up quickly in about 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option without a fuss.
- Easy Storage Leftovers are a breeze to store, just pop them in an airtight container for up to four days, making future meals simple and tasty.
Easy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious baked feta pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cavatappi pasta or pasta of choice
- 2 pints (about 1 liter) cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces (225 grams) block feta cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/41/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/41/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, packed and chopped, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Baking Dish: Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease your baking dish with olive oil until it shimmers, which helps everything cook beautifully and prevents sticking.
- Arrange Tomatoes and Feta: Toss the cherry tomatoes into the baking dish and place the block of feta cheese right in the center. Ensure the feta is positioned centrally to melt evenly without overcrowding the dish.
- Season and Add Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic around the tomatoes and feta to let the aromatic flavors mingle. If the garlic burns, it may add bitterness, so monitor it closely.
- Bake to Creamy Perfection: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens. Watch for browning to avoid drying out the dish.
- Cook Your Pasta: While the baking is happening, boil water in a pot and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. It should feel firm with a little give as it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot ingredients later.
- Mix Everything Together: After baking, combine the creamy feta and bursting tomatoes with your pasta right in the baking dish. Stir well, ensuring the creamy sauce coats the pasta. If the pasta looks dry, add a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Finalize with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh basil over the top and season to taste before serving. The herbs add vibrant color and fresh aroma to the dish.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor.
- Save 1/2 cup of pasta water when cooking to prevent the dish from drying out.
- Crowding the baking dish with tomatoes is recommended for a saucy result.
- To reheat, place in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or pair it with a light salad for contrast. Garnish with extra fresh basil before serving.
- You can swap feta cheese for goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Adding spinach or kale can boost the greens in the dish. Additionally, mixing in olives will give it a briny flavor.
- Select the freshest cherry tomatoes, as they have the best flavor for this dish. You can substitute cavatappi with any pasta shape or gluten-free alternatives as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 548mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
Recipe Tips
- If your tomatoes don’t burst, try packing them tightly in the baking dish for better results.
- When the pasta seems dry, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.
- If the feta isn’t melting nicely, opting for a less processed block of feta can improve the texture.
- For a deliciously saucy pasta, make sure to crowd the baking dish with plenty of tomatoes.
- When you want blistered tomatoes, increase the oven temperature for the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
This pasta can be enjoyed as a side to grilled chicken or fish. It also works well in a picnic setting, served cold with vegetables.
Garnish with additional fresh basil for an aromatic touch. A drizzle of olive oil enhances the overall flavor profile.
Recipe variations
- You can use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy twist that offers a different flavor profile in your baked pasta dish.
- Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for additional flavor in your pasta.
- Either mix in 1 cup of chopped spinach or 1 cup of kale for extra greens, adding a nutritious punch to your meal.
- If you plan to serve more people, you can double all ingredients, using 16 ounces of pasta, 4 pints of cherry tomatoes, and 16 ounces of feta.
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How to Store?
To keep your cherry tomato feta pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it sealed tightly.
Freezing: Wrap portions in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave or bake the pasta in an oven until heated through. Add a splash of water to rehydrate if necessary.
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If you enjoyed this cherry tomato feta Pasta or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
