Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Baked feta pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines creamy, roasted feta cheese with sweet blistered cherry tomatoes. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal prep.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
• Red pepper flakes (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and lightly golden.
3. Step 3: Remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta into the roasted tomatoes and garlic, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
• Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes if preferred.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of cream after baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne and fusilli work best due to their shape, but any pasta you have on hand can be used.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use the same roasting method for a vegan version.

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 108 reviews

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a simple and delicious one-pot meal featuring creamy baked feta cheese combined with blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, and oregano, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The baked feta and tomatoes create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, then set the pasta aside.
2. Bake the Feta and Tomatoes: In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have blistered and the feta is soft and lightly golden.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the softened feta into the roasted tomatoes and garlic to create a creamy, rich sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
4. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired for a little heat.

Notes

• Use high-quality feta cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Reserve the pasta water as it helps to loosen the sauce and improve texture.
• You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach or olives before baking.
• For a vegan variation, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: baked feta pasta, feta pasta recipe, roasted tomato pasta, easy pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, Mediterranean pasta, creamy feta sauce