Baked Feta Pasta

$- 1 block (8 oz) of feta cheese - 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli are excellent options) - Fresh basil leaves for vibrant garnish - Grated parmesan cheese for a savory topping Feta cheese brings a creamy and tangy flavor. It melts beautifully, making a rich sauce. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. They burst and infuse the dish with a fresh taste. Garlic gives depth and a savory note. Red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder dish. Olive oil enhances richness and helps all flavors blend. Oregano adds an earthy, herbal touch. Lastly, fresh basil gives a bright finish and a pop of color. For feta cheese, I recommend brands like Athenos or Mt. Vikos. They offer great taste and texture. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for brands that sell organic tomatoes if possible. For olive oil, choose extra virgin for its robust flavor. Brands like California Olive Ranch or Lucini are excellent choices. For pasta, Barilla or De Cecco are reliable options. They cook well and hold sauce nicely. Always choose fresh herbs when you can; they elevate your dish's taste significantly. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper, pasta, basil, and parmesan. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets your oven ready for the baking magic. In a medium-sized baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. If you like some heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Add the oregano and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well. Make sure the tomatoes are fully coated in the oil and spices. Next, create a small space in the middle of your tomato mixture. Place the block of feta cheese right in that space. This way, the cheese bakes perfectly in the tomato juices. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the feta for extra flavor. Now it’s time to bake! Carefully place your dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the tomatoes to blister and soften, and the feta to turn golden and melty. While your dish bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This pot will cook your pasta. Add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Set it aside for the next step. When the feta and tomatoes are done baking, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta into the tomato mixture. Stir until it becomes a creamy sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish. Toss everything together. Make sure every piece of pasta gets coated in that rich, creamy sauce. For a lovely finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy your delicious baked feta pasta! You can find the full recipe above to refer back to. Use high-quality feta cheese. Look for creamy, rich feta for the best taste. Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. Don't skip the garlic; it boosts flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances richness. Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. This mix of flavors makes each bite exciting. Avoid using low-quality pasta; it can ruin your dish. Don't skip the salt in the water when boiling pasta. This step adds flavor to the pasta itself. Overbaking the feta can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on the timing. Stir the feta and tomatoes too soon; let them bake until soft for better texture. Last, don't forget to toss the pasta well with the sauce. This step ensures every piece gets coated. To achieve a smooth sauce, mash the feta well into the tomatoes. Mix until the sauce is creamy and thick. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This water contains starch, which helps bind the sauce. Stirring the pasta into the sauce while it's hot helps it absorb flavor. Lastly, finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added creaminess and taste. This blend creates a rich, comforting dish you’ll love. For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can play with the ingredients to suit your needs. If you want a vegan option, skip the feta. Try using a block of tofu instead. Marinate the tofu in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for flavor. For gluten-free pasta, choose rice or chickpea pasta. These options keep the dish tasty and satisfying. The type of pasta you choose can change the dish's texture. Penne and fusilli hold the creamy sauce well. They catch the sauce and bits of tomato perfectly. Spaghetti offers a classic feel but may not hold as much sauce. Try out different shapes and see what you like best. Each type brings its unique flair to the meal. To enhance your meal, think outside the box. Serve Baked Feta Pasta with a side salad for freshness. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works well. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also add roasted veggies for extra flavor. These sides make the dish feel complete and more satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Store leftover Baked Feta Pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool first before sealing. Use it within three days for the best taste. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a better option. To reheat, place the pasta in a baking dish. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring gently. You can freeze Baked Feta Pasta for up to three months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy meals later. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. This makes meal prep quick and easy! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Baked Feta Pasta comes from Finland. It became popular online in early 2021. It started as a simple dish with feta, tomatoes, and pasta. The recipe quickly spread across social media. Its creamy texture and savory flavor caught many people’s attention. People loved how easy and tasty it was to make. Yes, you can use different cheeses if you like. Goat cheese works well and gives a tangy flavor. Cream cheese can also add a rich, smooth texture. If you want a milder taste, try using ricotta. Just remember, the cheese will change the dish's flavor a bit. To make a vegetarian version, focus on fresh vegetables. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These add color, flavor, and nutrients. Just mix them in with the tomatoes before baking. This way, you keep the dish vibrant and tasty. You can also check the Full Recipe for more ideas on vegetarian options. Baked Feta Pasta is easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and achieve great flavor. We also explored tasty variations and storage tips. Using this guide, you can create your own perfect dish. Enjoy sharing this recipe with family and friends. Baked Feta Pasta can be your new go-to meal. Try it out and taste the joy of cooking!$

Discover the deliciousness of Baked Feta Pasta Delight, a mouthwatering recipe that combines creamy feta and juicy cherry tomatoes into a delightful sauce. This simple and flavorful dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner and is ready in just 40 minutes. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

1 block (8 oz) of feta cheese

3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli are excellent options)

Fresh basil leaves for vibrant garnish

Grated parmesan cheese for a savory topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for baking.

In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, and olive oil. Generously season with salt and fresh black pepper. Use a spatula to gently mix everything together, ensuring the tomatoes are well-coated in the seasoning.

Create a nest in the middle of the tomato mixture and place the block of feta cheese there, making sure it is surrounded by the juicy tomatoes. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top of the feta for added richness.

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and softened, and the feta is beautifully melted and lightly golden.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

When the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, use a fork to carefully mash the feta into the tomato mixture, stirring until a creamy sauce forms and all ingredients are well combined.

Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything together, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated in the rich, creamy sauce.

To finish, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for that perfect savory touch before serving.

- Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic charm, or plate individual servings and add a few extra basil leaves on top for a delightful presentation. Enjoy!