Baked Feta Pasta is like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. Just imagine the creamy tang of melted feta mingling with perfectly cooked pasta and the aroma of roasted tomatoes wafting through your kitchen. It’s comfort food at its finest—rich yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight when you’re too tired to think about dinner.
I first stumbled upon this gem during a particularly chaotic week when takeout was starting to feel like a bad habit. One bite in, and I knew I had found my new culinary soulmate! It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends—just wait until they see that cheesy goodness bubbling away in the oven.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This simple baked feta pasta is not only quick to prepare but also offers an indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist.
- The vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes as well.
- You can easily adapt it with seasonal veggies or your favorite pasta shapes.
- It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
I remember making this dish for my family one Sunday afternoon. The kids’ eyes widened as they watched me toss everything together—it was pure magic!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Feta Cheese: Opt for block-style feta for better melting; crumbled versions tend to get grainy.
- Pasta: Any variety works—penne or fusilli are great choices since they hold onto sauce well.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Choose plump, ripe tomatoes for maximum sweetness; roasting enhances their flavor beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it’ll elevate the dish with its rich flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Fresh Basil: Adds brightness; use it as a garnish right before serving for an aromatic finish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; season generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and drizzle some olive oil along the bottom. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and crushed garlic—this will be the fragrant base of our dish.
Mix It Up!: In the same baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Pour more olive oil over everything and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Give those tomatoes a little stir so they’re well coated.
Bake Away!: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye out until the cheese is golden and melty while those tomatoes are bursting with juice.
Pasta Time!: While everything bakes away happily in the oven, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it but reserve a cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold!
Combine Everything!: Once your baking time is up, remove that glorious dish from the oven. Stir everything together gently using a fork—the melted feta should create a creamy sauce as you mix in that cooked pasta.
Add Some Magic!: If it’s looking too thick or dry, splash in some reserved pasta water until you achieve that desired creamy consistency. Finally, toss in torn basil leaves just before serving.
Now you have a magical Baked Feta Pasta ready to impress everyone around the table!
This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also keeps things fresh each time you make it by allowing you to experiment with different veggies or herbs depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Enjoy every scoop of this delightful dish that brings warmth not only through taste but also through shared moments around the dinner table!
You Must Know
- Baked Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines creamy feta with fresh tomatoes and pasta.
- The aroma alone will have you dreaming of summer picnics.
- Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for any occasion, making it a family favorite.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the feta and tomatoes together while boiling the pasta. This ensures maximum flavor infusion into each ingredient, giving you that rich, creamy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the tomatoes for zucchini or spinach to change things up! Adding crushed red pepper can also give your dish an exciting kick, making every bite an adventure.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or toss in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to revive its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality feta for richer flavor; it makes a world of difference.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente keeps it from getting mushy.
- Finally, always taste before serving; adjustments can transform your dish into something incredible.
I remember the first time I made Baked Feta Pasta for my friends. They couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! That enthusiasm inspired me to share this recipe everywhere.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for Baked Feta Pasta?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Can I use non-dairy feta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Non-dairy feta works well and still provides delicious creaminess.
How do I make this dish spicy?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to elevate the heat level.
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish featuring roasted tomatoes and rich feta cheese, making it an irresistibly satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle olive oil in a baking dish and add halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with more olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Gently stir the tomatoes.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until cheese is golden and tomatoes burst.
- While baking, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Remove the dish from the oven and mix everything together using a fork. Gradually add reserved pasta water until creamy.
- Toss in fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with zucchini or spinach for different flavors.
- For added spice, include crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
