Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Baked Feta Pasta because it’s ridiculously easy to make, yet the end result feels fancy and comforting. Roasting the feta with tomatoes and garlic gives it a rich, creamy texture and a depth of flavor that’s just irresistible. The pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce, creating the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. This dish is quick enough for a weeknight meal, but flavorful enough to serve at a gathering or dinner party!
Ingredients
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8 oz pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
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8 oz block of feta cheese
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2 cups cherry tomatoes
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Ingredients:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Baking Dish: In a baking dish (approximately 9×9 inches), add the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and dried oregano. Toss everything together until the tomatoes and garlic are well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish with the tomatoes. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta, then sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Bake the Dish:
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Roast: Bake the feta and tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is golden and the tomatoes have burst, releasing their juices.
Cook the Pasta:
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Boil the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Pasta:
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Mix the Sauce: Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. Stir in the roasted garlic, breaking up the feta into a smooth, cheesy mixture.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy feta sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, savory pasta dish!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with baking time of 25-30 minutes. Once you mix everything together, it’s ready to serve in about 45 minutes, making it an easy, flavorful meal that doesn’t require much effort.
Variations
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Add veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, you can toss in some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms before baking. Just sauté the veggies lightly in olive oil to soften them before adding them to the dish.
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Use different cheese: If you don’t have feta, you can try goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy twist, although feta gives the dish its signature tanginess.
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Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the mix for a bit of heat.
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Make it a protein-packed meal: Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help bring back the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes, you can use crumbled feta instead of a block, though a block will give you a creamier, more uniform texture when it melts. If using crumbled feta, reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking it.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pasta after it has cooled completely. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
What can I serve this dish with?
This creamy Baked Feta Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a fuller spread. A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta nicely.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This Baked Feta Pasta is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This creamy baked feta pasta features roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs baked with a block of feta—then tossed with pasta for a rich, tangy sauce.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, etc.)
8 oz block of feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Baking Dish: Toss cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and oregano in a 9×9 baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Add Feta: Place feta block in center, drizzle with more olive oil and season.
Bake: Roast for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
Cook Pasta: While baking, cook pasta to al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Sauce: Mash feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce.
Combine: Toss pasta into sauce until well coated.
Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use crumbled feta if you don’t have a block, but expect a slightly different texture.
Add red pepper flakes or chili for heat.
Mix in sautéed vegetables or cooked protein for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
