Baked Feta Pasta

This baked feta pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Featuring a block of feta cheese baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, this recipe creates a rich, tangy sauce that coats your favorite pasta for a comforting, satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s a hit with pasta lovers and perfect for those looking for a simple, delicious meal. You can customize this dish with your favorite pasta shapes, add grilled chicken for extra protein, or make it vegan with plant-based feta.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 8-ounce block feta cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In an oven-safe baking dish, arrange the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Toss until the tomatoes are evenly coated.
3. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounding it with the seasoned tomatoes. Flip the feta a couple of times to ensure it’s coated with the olive oil and seasonings.
4. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and creamy.
5. While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain the pasta.
6. Once the tomatoes and feta are ready, remove the dish from the oven and immediately add the minced garlic and fresh basil. Toss everything together to combine.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss it all together. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients.
8. Garnish with extra basil and serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Comforting: The creamy, melted feta combined with burst cherry tomatoes creates a deliciously rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and requires minimal prep.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of feta and tomatoes is always a hit with family and guests.
• Versatile: You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences.

Tips

• Make sure to toss the feta and tomatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure even melting and flavor distribution.
• If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
• Don’t skip reserving some of the pasta water; it helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
• You can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti if preferred.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Protein: For extra protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based feta cheese substitute for a dairy-free option.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of heat.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Mix in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
While feta gives the dish its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor, you can use goat cheese or ricotta as a substitute for a similar creamy result.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the tomatoes and feta ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. Cook the pasta just before tossing everything together.

How long will leftovers last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of olive oil or water to refresh the sauce.

Serving

• This baked feta pasta makes a fantastic main dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
• Pair it with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
• For an extra burst of flavor, serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Pair with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy feta.
• Add a side of roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to make the meal more filling.