Description
A delicious baked feta pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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