Creamy, tangy, and packed with rich roasted tomato flavor, I find this Easy Baked Feta Pasta to be one of the easiest and most satisfying meals to prepare. The combination of baked feta cheese, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and pasta creates a comforting dish that feels both simple and special. Whether I need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe always delivers delicious results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it requires minimal preparation while delivering incredible flavor. The feta cheese becomes creamy and rich as it bakes, while the tomatoes burst and create a naturally sweet sauce. I also appreciate that everything comes together in a single baking dish before being mixed with pasta, making cleanup easy. The fresh basil adds brightness, and the finished dish feels hearty, comforting, and perfect for any season.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
1 (8 oz) brick feta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I add the grape tomatoes to a medium baking dish.
Then I place the feta cheese in the center of the dish and arrange the tomatoes around it.
I drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta.
I sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the top.
Next I drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil directly over the feta cheese.
I bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and creamy.
I stir the baked feta and tomatoes together until they form a smooth sauce.
Then I add the chopped fresh basil and the warm cooked pasta.
I mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated.
I serve the pasta immediately while hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 615 kcal per serving
Variations
I enjoy customizing this baked feta pasta depending on what ingredients I have available. Here are a few variations I like to try:
I add minced garlic before baking for extra depth of flavor.
I mix in fresh spinach after baking and allow it to wilt into the warm sauce.
Also I use penne, rotini, or rigatoni instead of bow tie pasta.
I add grilled chicken, shrimp, or cooked sausage for additional protein.
I sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish when I want a little heat.
I include roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For reheating, I place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. I can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
I do not recommend freezing this dish because the texture of the feta-based sauce may change after thawing.
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FAQs
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
I can easily substitute cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes. Both varieties roast beautifully and create a flavorful sauce.
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block of feta?
I prefer using a block of feta because it melts more evenly and creates a creamier texture, but crumbled feta can work if that is what I have available.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
I like bow tie pasta, but I also use penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli since they hold the creamy sauce very well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I can prepare the ingredients in the baking dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until I am ready to bake. I cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
I sometimes add a splash of pasta water while mixing the baked feta and tomatoes. This helps create an even smoother and silkier sauce.
Conclusion
I love how this baked feta pasta transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal. The roasted tomatoes, tangy feta, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta come together effortlessly, making this recipe a reliable favorite whenever I want an easy yet impressive dinner. Whether I prepare it exactly as written or experiment with different variations, I always end up with a comforting dish that everyone enjoys.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, tangy baked feta pasta with roasted grape tomatoes and fresh basil. This easy one-dish meal creates a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
1 (8 oz) brick feta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add the grape tomatoes to a medium baking dish.
- Place the feta cheese in the center of the dish and arrange the tomatoes around it.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the top.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil directly over the feta cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and creamy.
- Stir the baked feta and tomatoes together until they form a smooth sauce.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and the warm cooked pasta.
- Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Add minced garlic before baking for extra flavor.
Stir in fresh spinach after baking and allow it to wilt.
Use penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli instead of bow tie pasta if desired.
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or cooked sausage for additional protein.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended as the sauce texture may change.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 615 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
