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- 200g feta cheese (preferably block-style) - 300g pasta (select your favorite like penne, fusilli, or bowtie) - 400g cherry tomatoes, halved for maximum juiciness - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely - 1 teaspoon dried oregano for a herby touch - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (feel free to adjust based on desired heat level) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for a touch of richness (optional) When I create Baked Feta Pasta, I start with fresh, simple ingredients. Feta cheese is the star here. I love using block-style feta because it melts beautifully and offers a rich, creamy taste. For pasta, I often choose penne, but fusilli or bowtie work great too. The shape holds on to the sauce well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness. Halving them ensures they burst while baking. Extra virgin olive oil is key. It adds flavor and helps the feta and tomatoes cook nicely. Garlic brings a punch of flavor, so I always use fresh cloves. For seasoning, dried oregano gives a classic touch. I like a bit of heat, so red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Salt and pepper balance the dish perfectly. Finally, I sprinkle fresh basil on top for color and freshness. If you want extra richness, grated Parmesan is a great choice. It melts into the pasta and enhances the overall taste. This combination makes Baked Feta Pasta simple yet full of flavor. Each bite offers a mix of creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and herby goodness. It's a dinner dish that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). This helps cook the dish evenly. - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. - Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes for a colorful look. - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. This adds moisture and rich flavor. - Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper on top. This gives the dish great aroma and taste. - Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for soft, slightly golden feta and juicy tomatoes. - Boil water in a large pot and add salt. This enhances the pasta's flavor. - Cook your favorite pasta (like penne or fusilli) until al dente, following the package directions. - Before draining, save about a cup of the pasta water for later. - After baking, mix the melted feta and tomatoes with a fork. This creates a creamy sauce. - Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything well. If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water. - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. - Garnish with torn basil leaves for freshness. For a richer taste, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. - Serve hot straight from the dish for a cozy feel. Or plate it nicely with a drizzle of olive oil and basil for a fancy touch. - Baking time adjustments: Keep an eye on your oven. If your feta starts to brown too quickly, lower the temperature slightly. You want it soft, not burnt. Aim for 25-30 minutes; it’s a sweet spot for flavor. - Al dente pasta tips: To make the best pasta, cook it in salted water. Follow the package directions but check it a minute or two early. It should be firm to the bite, or al dente. This helps the pasta hold its shape when mixed with the sauce. - Ingredient substitutions: If you want to switch it up, try goat cheese instead of feta. It gives a creamier texture and a tangy taste. You can also add different veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. - Additional garnish ideas: Fresh herbs can take this dish to new heights. Try parsley or chives for a mild flavor. For a little crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts. These simple touches will elevate your meal and impress your guests. Pro Tips Choose Quality Feta: Opt for high-quality block-style feta cheese for the best flavor and texture. Crumbled feta may not melt as beautifully. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Each type will offer a unique texture and mouthfeel. Balance the Flavors: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Adding more herbs or adjusting the spice level can enhance the overall dish. Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Simply bake the feta and tomatoes, then mix with cooked pasta before serving for a delicious quick meal. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the cheese in this dish. Goat cheese works great if you want a tangy twist. It melts well and adds a nice creaminess. Feel free to add different veggies too. Zucchini and bell peppers are excellent options. They bring color and crunch to the dish. Just chop them up and mix them in with the tomatoes before baking. For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices that cook well. Just check the package to ensure it fits your needs. If you're looking for vegan adaptations, replace feta with a vegan cheese alternative. Some brands offer great meltable options. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Enjoy the flavors you love while sticking to your dietary choices! To keep baked feta pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. Then, place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze it, but the texture may change. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy it later. When reheating, aim for the best texture and flavor. The oven is a great choice. Preheat it to 180°C (350°F) and cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to warm evenly. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help keep it creamy. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Baked feta pasta is a simple dish that combines feta cheese, pasta, and tomatoes. You bake the feta with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Once baked, you mix it with the cooked pasta. The feta melts and creates a creamy sauce. This dish is rich and flavorful, perfect for dinner. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Goat cheese works well for a tangy flavor. Cream cheese can add creaminess. You can even try mozzarella for a classic taste. Just remember that different cheeses change the dish's flavor. Pick a cheese you enjoy. To add spice, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños before baking. If you like heat, try adding hot sauce at the end. Taste the dish as you go. Adjust the spice to your liking for that perfect kick. Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the feta and tomatoes in the baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, bake it as directed. You can also cook the pasta and mix it later. This saves time and makes dinner easier. In this post, we explored baked feta pasta, highlighting its key ingredients and simple steps. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, baking process, and tips to perfect the dish. We also discussed ingredient swaps for variations and how to store leftovers. This dish is easy to customize, making it perfect for many tastes. Enjoying this meal is simple and rewarding, so gather your ingredients and start cooking today!

Baked Feta Pasta Delight

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring baked feta cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g feta cheese (preferably block-style)
  • 300 g pasta (select your favorite like penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
  • 400 g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • as needed fresh basil leaves, roughly torn for garnish
  • as needed grated Parmesan cheese, for a touch of richness (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, position the feta cheese block in the center and arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around it.
  • Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
  • Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the feta and tomatoes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the feta is soft and slightly golden, and the tomatoes are bursting.
  • Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  • Once the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, mix together the melted feta and bursting tomatoes in the baking dish with a fork.
  • Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If too thick or dry, incorporate some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
  • Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Serve hot for the best flavor. Optional Parmesan adds richness.
Keyword baked, easy, feta, pasta, tomatoes