Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Baked feta pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines creamy, roasted feta with sweet, jammy cherry tomatoes. This one-pan pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner and comes together effortlessly in the oven.

Ingredients

• 500g cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of chilli flakes
• 3 garlic cloves, lightly bashed
• 200g block of feta
• 350g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favourite shape)
• Small bunch of basil, leaves picked

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. In a medium baking dish, toss together the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, chilli flakes, and garlic cloves.
2. Step 2: Roast the tomatoes mixture for 15 minutes, then nestle the block of feta into the centre of the dish. Season everything with salt and pepper and return to the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the feta is golden and the tomatoes have softened and become jammy.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Drain the pasta, saving about a mugful of the cooking water.
4. Step 4: Remove and discard the garlic cloves from the baked feta dish. Use a fork to break up the feta cheese, then add the drained pasta to the baking dish.
5. Step 5: Toss the pasta with the tomatoes and cheese, adding a splash of the reserved cooking water to create a creamy sauce. Add more cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Step 6: Season well with black pepper and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the amount of chilli flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free option.
• Try adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
• Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can be used instead of basil for a different twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Feta is key for the creamy texture and tangy flavor, but you could try a firmer goat cheese or halloumi as alternatives, though the taste and texture will vary.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, baked feta pasta reheats well and makes a convenient meal prep option. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat with a little moisture to keep it creamy.

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This baked feta pasta recipe delivers a simple yet flavorful dish combining roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and al dente pasta. Roasting the tomatoes and feta together creates a rich, jammy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, while fresh basil adds a pop of herbaceous freshness. It’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• 500g cherry tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, lightly bashed
• Small bunch of basil, leaves picked

Dairy

• 200g block of feta cheese

Pasta and Grains

• 350g pasta (penne, rigatoni or your favourite shape)

Oils and Spices

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of chilli flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare tomatoes: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. In a medium baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, chilli flakes, and lightly bashed garlic cloves to infuse flavor.
2. First roast: Roast the tomato mixture for 15 minutes to soften and begin releasing juices.
3. Add feta and bake: Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes. Season everything generously with salt and pepper. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the feta is golden and the tomatoes have softened to a jammy consistency.
4. Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a mugful of the pasta cooking water.
5. Combine and toss: Remove and discard the garlic cloves from the baked dish. Using a fork, break up the baked feta cheese. Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss everything gently together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
6. Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper. Scatter freshly picked basil leaves over the dish to finish, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

• You can use any short pasta shape such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli depending on preference.
• Adjust chilli flakes quantity to control spiciness.
• Reserve pasta water is important to achieve a creamy texture in the sauce.
• For a smoother sauce, mash the feta and tomatoes thoroughly once baked before tossing with pasta.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up extra sauce if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

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