This Baked Feta Pasta has become a viral sensation for good reason! The combination of roasted feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender pasta creates a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish that is both comforting and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how simple and satisfying this Baked Feta Pasta is. It requires very little effort but delivers big on flavor! The feta cheese melts into a creamy sauce, infused with the sweetness of the roasted cherry tomatoes and the depth of garlic and oregano. The pasta soaks up all of this deliciousness, making every bite rich and creamy. The best part? It’s all cooked in one dish, which means cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with others, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz block of feta cheese
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring they’re well coated. Sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over the top.
Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and softened.
While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork or spoon to mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add Protein: For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the pasta before serving.
Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but feel free to toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor.
Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to add some heat, or drizzle a little chili oil over the top before serving.
Vegan: Swap the feta for a plant-based feta alternative to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but you can add a little water or extra olive oil when reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
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FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block of feta cheese?
I prefer using a block of feta because it melts beautifully into the sauce, but crumbled feta can work too. Just be mindful that it may not create as smooth of a sauce.
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or any pasta you like will work in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
How do I know when the feta and tomatoes are roasted properly?
The tomatoes should be blistered and slightly charred, and the feta should be soft and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta is easy to mash with a fork.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the feta and tomatoes in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just heat the mixture in the oven and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t gluten-free as written because of the pasta. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
Conclusion
This Baked Feta Pasta is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that is as easy to make as it is satisfying. The creamy feta sauce, combined with the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes, creates a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own twist, it’s sure to be a favorite at your dinner table!
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta is a viral sensation that combines creamy feta cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, it’s the ideal weeknight meal or dish for a casual gathering. Roasted feta creates a creamy sauce that’s rich and tangy, while the tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Whether served as a simple vegetarian meal or with added protein, this easy pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
8 oz block of feta cheese
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large baking dish and surround it with the cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, coating them well. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and softened.
- While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together using a fork or spoon, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage before serving.
Vegetarian-friendly as written, but feel free to include sautéed veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
To make it vegan, swap the feta for a plant-based alternative.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but reheating with a splash of pasta water or olive oil will help restore its creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
