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- 250g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 200g block of creamy feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Salt, to taste - Optional: Red pepper flakes, for an extra kick - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish When I make Baked Feta Pasta, I start with the main ingredients. I love using penne or fusilli pasta because they hold sauce well. The creamy feta is key; it melts beautifully. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Next, I focus on flavor enhancers. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for richness. Fresh garlic gives a nice kick, while dried oregano and basil add classic Italian notes. Finally, seasoning is crucial. I use freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste. If you like spice, red pepper flakes boost the heat. Fresh basil leaves on top make it look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). - Combine halved cherry tomatoes and olive oil in a baking dish. First, you want to set your oven to 200°C (400°F). This helps ensure everything bakes evenly. Next, grab a large baking dish. In it, mix your halved cherry tomatoes with the olive oil. Make sure each tomato gets a nice coat of oil. This creates a great base for the feta cheese and adds flavor. - Nestle the feta in the center with seasonings. - Bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden and soft. Now, take your block of feta cheese. Place it right in the center of the baking dish. This allows the tomatoes to surround the cheese. Then, sprinkle it with minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add salt and black pepper to taste. This seasoning will elevate the feta’s flavor. Bake this mixture for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the feta is golden and soft, and the tomatoes look blistered. - Cook pasta according to package instructions. - Drain and set aside for mixing later. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is crucial because it allows the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce later. - Mash the feta and tomatoes together. - Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. - Adjust seasoning and serve hot with garnish. Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the soft feta and tomatoes together. This creates a creamy sauce. Next, add the drained pasta to the dish and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta gets coated in that delicious sauce. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and bright flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Ensure pasta is al dente for best texture. - Use high-quality feta for creaminess. Cooking the pasta just right is key. Al dente pasta holds its shape and adds a nice bite. Follow the package instructions closely. As for feta, choose a creamy block. It melts beautifully, creating a rich sauce. - Serve in shallow bowls with extra olive oil drizzle. - Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for visual appeal. When you plate this dish, use shallow bowls. This allows the sauce to shine. Drizzle some olive oil on top for extra flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and heat. - Add spinach or kale for greens. - Incorporate olives for a briny twist. You can mix in greens like spinach or kale. They not only add nutrition but also a vibrant color. If you love a briny taste, toss in some olives. They bring a wonderful depth to the dish. Pro Tips Use Quality Feta: Opt for a high-quality Greek feta for the best flavor and creaminess. The fresher the cheese, the better the dish will taste! Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the baking dish for added nutrition and flavor. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To ensure perfectly cooked pasta, always salt your water generously and reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the feta and tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving and toss with pasta for a quick meal! {{image_4}} You can change up the ingredients to fit your taste. - Substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes: This gives a richer flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy twist. - Use vegan feta or cream cheese for a dairy-free version: If you're avoiding dairy, try vegan feta or cream cheese. Both options melt well and add creaminess. Adding a little heat can enhance your dish. - Add chili peppers or jalapeños for heat: If you like spice, these peppers bring a nice kick. You can slice them and mix them in before baking. - Include herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor: Fresh or dried herbs can really boost the taste. Thyme or rosemary adds depth to your baked feta pasta. You can make this dish fit special diets. - Gluten-free pasta options for gluten sensitivity: Use gluten-free penne or fusilli if you need to avoid gluten. There are many great brands available. - Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy: This gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Sprinkle some on top before serving for extra flavor. After you enjoy your baked feta pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It helps keep the flavors fresh. I recommend eating it within 2-3 days for the best taste. The pasta and feta will stay tasty, but they lose texture over time. When it's time to eat again, reheat your dish in the oven. This keeps the pasta and feta smooth. I suggest adding a splash of olive oil. It prevents the dish from drying out and keeps it creamy. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it well to keep out air and freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. You will need to bake it for an extra 10-15 minutes from frozen to heat it through. This way, you get a warm and delicious meal anytime! Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet delightful dish. It combines creamy feta cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes with pasta. This dish became popular on social media. The flavors blend beautifully as the feta bakes. You get a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and store it separately. You can also mix the feta and tomatoes and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, bake the feta and tomatoes, then add the pasta. This saves time and keeps it fresh. I recommend using penne or fusilli pasta. Both types hold the sauce well. Their shapes help capture the creamy feta and tomato mix. If you prefer, you can use other pasta types like rotini or even gluten-free options. To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking. You can also add fresh chili peppers to the dish. For more flavor, try using jalapeños or spicy herbs. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. This baked feta pasta is easy and delicious. We covered the main ingredients, like creamy feta and cherry tomatoes. You learned how to bake the feta and mix it with pasta. Use tips for great texture and flavors, like fresh herbs. You can also change the dish with different ingredients. Enjoy making this recipe and impressing your friends. Your cooking skills will shine with every bite.

Baked Feta Pasta Delight

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring baked feta cheese and blistered cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 200 g block of creamy feta cheese
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • optional red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures a perfectly baked dish.
  • In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with the extra virgin olive oil. Stir well to ensure each tomato is evenly coated with the oil, creating a luscious base for the feta.
  • Nestle the block of feta cheese right in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the vibrant tomatoes. Drizzle a touch more olive oil over the feta, then sprinkle it with the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance its flavor.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Look for the feta to turn golden and soft, and for the cherry tomatoes to blister beautifully.
  • While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
  • After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta cheese and mix it with the blistered tomatoes, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce.
  • Introduce the cooked pasta to the baking dish and gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, incorporating red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dish.
  • Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch and a splash of vibrant green that enhances the presentation.

Notes

For an appealing dining experience, serve in shallow pasta bowls, topped with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Keyword baked, feta, pasta, vegetarian