Description
Discover the irresistible charm of Baked Feta Pasta, a simple yet spectacular Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines creamy baked feta with bursting cherry tomatoes and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously creamy sauce straight from the oven, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rotini
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the baked feta mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the whole block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic cloves evenly around the feta.
- Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, and garlic. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried oregano evenly on top to infuse the ingredients with flavor during baking.
- Bake: Bake the dish for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes have burst and released their juices, and the feta cheese is soft and lightly golden around the edges.
- Create Sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a spoon to stir the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together, creating a creamy, textured sauce that captures all the baked flavors.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained cooked pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy feta and tomato sauce.
- Finish with Basil and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to add a fresh, herbal brightness. Serve the baked feta pasta warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Add spinach or roasted red peppers for extra vegetables and flavor variations.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options to suit dietary preferences or needs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to taste.
